If you are unable to vote in person at your polling station, you can ask someone else to cast your vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.
The person who can act as your proxy:
- Must be registered to vote
- Can’t vote on behalf of more than:
- two people, if registered domestically, or
- four people (two registered overseas, two registered domestically)
If you nominate a proxy, the person you choose to vote on your behalf will need to show their own photo ID see Voter ID for further information.
The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote or apply to vote by post as your proxy.
Applying for a proxy vote
You must already be registered to vote in order to apply to vote by proxy.
There are new rules regarding the proxy application process
These rules were introduced by the Elections Act 2022. From 31 October 2023, you must provide your national insurance number when applying to vote by proxy as we must now verify an applicant's identity.
Any applications received from 31 October that do not provide a National Insurance number will be rejected and you will need to reapply providing the required information.
Apply to vote by proxy online
To apply online go to GOV.UK
The Government portal is a secure site - the information required is:
- Full name
- Address including postcode
- National insurance number
- Date of birth
- Handwritten signature (see Uploading your signature photo below for further guidance)
The following proxy applications are available to complete online:
- Proxy application for a particular election
- Proxy applications for a definite or indefinite period for overseas and service voters
You can download and complete paper application forms if you require an ongoing proxy due to disability, employment or education as you cannot apply online for these applications.
Q: Why has the law changed and I now need to provide my national insurance number?
A: When applying to vote by proxy the new rules require that all applicants must go through a verification process to identify them.
Q What if I do not provide my national insurance number?
A: Any applications received from 31 October that do not provide a National Insurance number will need to provide alternative documents in order to be verified. If you are unable to provide this, your application will be rejected and you will need to reapply providing the required information.
Q: I cannot find my national insurance number.
A: Your National Insurance number can be found on your National Insurance card, benefit letter, payslip or P60.
Get help if you’ve lost your National Insurance number
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you will need to explain why. You can then upload alternative documents that will help us verify your application
You can take a photo of your document(s) with a digital device (smartphone/tablet), use a scanner or upload an existing digital copy. All files must be in PNG, GIF, HEIC or PDF format, maximum file size 20MB.
Uploading your signature photo
You will need to upload a picture of your signature, the website will advise you on how to provide and upload this. You must make sure that your signature is:
- In focus
- Without shadows
- Without anything showing in the background
- The right way up
Request a paper application to vote by proxy
If you are unable to apply online, you can download and print a paper application form from the Gov website. If you do not have a printer you can contact Electoral Services so we can send you a paper application:
Email: electoral.services@sutton.gov.uk or call 020 8770 4179.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on the 6th working day before an election.
The paper application requires the same information and you will still need to provide your national insurance number.
Your National Insurance number can be found on your National Insurance card, benefit letter, payslip or P60.
Get help if you’ve lost your National Insurance number
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you will need to explain why. We will contact you to supply alternative documents that will help us verify your application.
You can download and complete paper application forms if you require an ongoing proxy due to disability, employment, or education, as you cannot apply online for these applications.
Proxy votes during an election period
The deadline for applications for a proxy vote is 5pm, six working days before an election. However, if you are already registered to vote by post, the deadline to change from a postal vote to a proxy vote is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
Emergency proxy
You can apply for an emergency proxy if you find that you can't get to your polling station on election day. This is for exceptional circumstances when the proxy deadline has already passed.
Reasons for emergency proxy could be:
- a medical condition or illness - apply for a medical emergency proxy form
- your job means you can't get to the polling station on the day - apply for an occupation, service or employment emergency proxy form
- if you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID and it is too late to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate - apply for an emergency proxy based on photo ID
The deadline to apply for an emergency proxy is by 5pm on election day.
Contact Electoral Services on 020 8770 4179 for more information.