Apply for a proxy vote

If you are registered to vote and if you can't get to the polling station yourself, you can nominate someone to vote on your behalf. 

This person - your proxy - must be officially appointed by you.

You can apply for an emergency proxy vote if you are unable to get to the polling station on polling day due to illness, or if you have become incapacitated in the period immediately before an election. Please call us on 020 8496 3000 for guidance, if you think this applies to you.

Am I eligible for a proxy vote?

If you're registered to vote, then you can apply for a proxy vote. 

There are different application requirements depending on the reason on the application. You must give a reason for requesting to nominate a proxy in every case.

You can apply for a proxy vote if:

• you're unable to get to the polling station for one particular election (eg if you're away on holiday)
• you have a physical condition that means that you can't get to the polling station on polling day
• your employment means that you can't get to the polling station on polling day
• your attendance at an educational course means that you can't get to the polling station on polling day
• you're a British citizen living overseas
• you're a Crown servant, or a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces

Who can be my proxy?

Anyone can be your proxy provided that:

• they're eligible to vote in that type of election
• their details have been confirmed against Department for Work and Pensions records and they've been successfully registered themselves
• their registration to be your proxy has been processed
• they're willing to vote on your behalf

However, a person can only vote as a proxy at the same election for:

• anyone they're related to - as spouse, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild
• no more than two people who they're not related to

Does my proxy have to go to a polling station to vote?

Yes, they have to go to YOUR polling station – they can't vote at their own station if it's different to yours.

However, they can apply to cast their proxy vote by post. You'll need to let us know about this on your application for a proxy vote and we will then send your proxy the necessary form to complete.

How long does my proxy vote last for?

The length of your proxy vote depends on the reason for which you made your application.

For advice:

Email Electoral.Services@walthamforest.gov.uk

Phone 020 8496 3000 between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

How to cancel or amend a proxy vote

To cancel or amend a proxy vote application, you have to inform us in writing by no later than 5pm on the sixth working day before the election.

The easiest way to do this is by email

Email electoral.services@walthamforest.gov.uk giving your full name and address, and the date from which you wish to cancel your proxy vote.

Or you can write to:
Electoral Services
Waltham Forest Town Hall
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF

I am a nominated proxy voter. Will I get a polling card, and do I need this to vote?

Yes, but don’t worry if you haven’t received a polling card – you don’t need it to vote, and you don’t need to take any form of ID.

Staff at the polling station just need your name, and the name and address of the person for whom you are voting.

Please remember that you need to attend the designated polling station of the person for whom you are acting as proxy in order to be able to vote on their behalf – which may be different to your own polling station.

I applied for a proxy vote, but I can now attend in person.

If you go to the polling station and state that you had nominated a proxy but now wish to vote yourself, staff will issue you with your ballot paper – provided that you get to the station before your proxy does.

If they've already voted for you, you can't then vote yourself.

If you do vote yourself, your proxy won't then be able to vote for you again later.