Register of Electors

Don't lose your vote

You can apply to vote by post or, alternatively, you can apply for a proxy vote.

A proxy is someone who votes on your behalf if, for example:

you will be away on holiday (in the UK or abroad)
your work takes you away from home
you are ill or in hospital

When and how to apply

As soon as an election is announced contact Electoral Services for an application form electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk

Your completed application form for postal voting must reach Electoral Services by 5pm, 11 working days before election day. (Working days exclude weekends, bank holidays, Good Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Proxy applications must be received by 5pm, six working days before election day.

There is also provision for an emergency proxy if you are taken ill after the close of proxy applications.

Important - Postal Voting

Postal ballot papers are normally sent out about a week before polling day, so you if you will not be at home around that time you should consider choosing a proxy instead.

Proxy Voting

If you wish to appoint a proxy to vote for you, he or she must be:

willing to vote on your behalf
a British citizen or citizen of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland; or
for local government and European Parliamentary elections, a citizen of the European Union
old enough to vote and legally allowed to vote

A proxy may not vote at the same election for more than two people, unless they are a close relative (hsuband, wife, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or grandchild) of the people they are voting for. Your proxy does not necessarily have to sign the form. As long as you have consulted them and they have confirmed that they can and will be your proxy, only you need to sign the form. Otherwise the proxy will need to sign as well.

After you have filled in the form

Make sure you have signed and dated the form and then post it (or hand it in) and any of the Council's offices without delay.

If you have applied to vote by post you will receive a postal ballot paper about a week before election day. You must return this to reach the Returning Officer before 10pm on election day.

If you have applied to vote by proxy and your application is accepted, your proxy will receive a "proxy paper" which allows him or her to vote on your behalf on election day.

Voting by post or proxy for a longer period

A vote by post is available to anyone and you can ask for an automatic postal vote for an indefinite period.

To vote by proxy for an indefinite period you may qualify if: