This means appointing someone to vote for you on your behalf in your polling station.

You can apply for a proxy vote at any time up until 11 days before an election.

You do not need to wait for an election to be announced. You cannot sign an application on behalf of an elector even if you have Power of Attorney. You need to tell your proxy which candidate(s) you wish to vote for.

You have to provide a reason to vote by proxy for a single election. You can only vote by proxy on an indefinite basis for the following reasons: physical incapacity or being registered blind, overseas voter, studying, requiring a journey by sea or air to get to the polling station, and certain occupations e.g. Armed Forces.

If you change your mind and wish to vote in person, you can still do so, providing that your proxy has not already voted on your behalf. If your proxy cannot get to your polling station, they can apply to vote by post. However, if they chose this option, you will not then be able to vote in person.

Following new regulations in 2006 it is now possible to apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day. This applies only in the case of a medical emergency occurring after the sixth day before polling day. The application to vote by proxy must be attested (by a doctor, registered state nurse, or Christian science practitioner).

Proxy application form or for further information