Voting by proxy
Voting by proxy means nominating someone you trust to vote on your behalf.
Apply to vote by proxy
The quickest and easiest way to apply to vote by proxy is online.
The deadline to apply to vote by proxy at these elections:
- if you already have a postal or proxy voting arrangement in place is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
- if you do not have an existing postal or proxy voting arrangement in place is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
You will need to provide your National Insurance number, if you have one, on your application to verify your identity. If you are unable to do so, we will be in contact shortly after we receive your application to request a form of documentary evidence to verify your identity and process your application.
Who you can nominate as your proxy
Your nominated proxy must:
- be registered and eligible to vote in local elections.
- be able to attend your designated polling station on polling day unless they apply for a postal vote
- present a prescribed form of Voter ID before they receive your ballot paper.
- not act as a proxy for more than two electors.
Postal proxy vote
If your nominated proxy is unable to attend your designated polling station on polling day to vote on your behalf, they can apply for a postal vote.
If your nominated proxy chooses to vote by post, we will send your ballot paper to your nominated proxy’s address, so they can complete your ballot paper at home and return it in the post.
Apply for a postal proxy vote
Your nominated proxy will need to complete and submit a postal proxy application by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to vote by postal proxy at this election.
Please note that your proxy application must be approved before your nominated proxy can apply for a postal proxy vote.
Your nominated proxy can apply for a postal proxy vote by completing and returning the postal proxy application form.
Emergency proxy voting
The deadline to apply for an ordinary proxy vote has now passed. However, you may still be able to vote by emergency proxy.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if, after the ordinary proxy deadline, you:
- You have a medical emergency
- You are unexpectedly away for work
- Your photo ID has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed after the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
- Have appointed a proxy whose photo ID has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
To qualify, the emergency must be something you were not aware of before the ordinary proxy deadline, which was 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
How to apply?
If you believe you qualify, or are unsure whether you are eligible for an emergency proxy vote, you can:
- Contact the Electoral Services Team via our Contact Us Form
- Phone us on 020 7926 2254
The deadline to apply for an emergency proxy vote is 5pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Further information
For more details about emergency proxy voting, including guidance and application forms, visit: Emergency proxy vote - Electoral Commission