Asking a trusted person to vote on your behalf

If you know that you won’t be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you. This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is often referred to as your proxy.

If you nominate a proxy, the person you choose to vote on your behalf will need to show their own photo ID to cast your vote. They will not need to show your ID.

The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote, or can apply to vote for you by post.

Find out how to vote by proxy.

Download the application form

To apply for a proxy vote, you have to complete a form and give a reason why you can't get to your polling station in person.

This may be because you're going to be on holiday, or have a physical condition which means you can't get to your polling station on polling day.

You will need to complete a new proxy vote application if you have moved house. 

A proxy vote for a specific election

Use this form to apply for a proxy vote for a specific election. This could be because you're on holiday or away for work for an upcoming polling day.

Download the form to vote by proxy at a particular election or referendum

A permanent or long-term proxy vote

Use one of these forms if you won't be able to go to the polling station for the foreseeable future, or a long period of time.

The form you need to complete depends on the reason why you need a proxy vote.

• You have a disability
• You are away on an educational course
• You are away for work
• You are registered as an overseas voter
• You work overseas for the British Council or as a Crown servant
• You are serving overseas in the Armed Forces
• You are registered as an anonymous elector

Filling in your form

The application form includes instructions on how to fill it in correctly.

You will need to provide your date of birth and signature on your application form.

Where to send your completed form

Send your postal and proxy vote applications to our electoral services team. You can also contact them to find out if you’re on the electoral register, and if you already have a postal or proxy vote.

Please send your completed form by post to: East Hampshire District Council, Electoral Registration Officer, Penns Place, Petersfield, GU31 4EX. Alternatively you can email it to: electoral.services@easthants.gov.uk.

When applying for a new proxy vote, you must return your proxy vote application form by 5pm, six working days before the poll.

When changing or cancelling an existing proxy, postal or postal proxy vote, you must return your proxy vote application form by 5pm, 11 working days before the poll. 

Emergency proxy vote

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.

This must be something that you weren't aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline.

• You have a medical emergency
• You are away for work
• Your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged, and the deadline to apply for a voter authority certificate has passed. This form can also be used if your anonymous elector's document is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.

These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.