4.5 Different ways to vote: postal votes and proxy votes
Voting by Post
Voting by post is a straightforward option if you know you’ll be away on election day, can’t get to your polling station, or don’t want to vote in person.
How to apply:
You must apply for a postal vote by 5pm, 11 days before election day. You can apply online or via paper form.
How it works:
Your ballot paper will be sent to you in advance of the election. You fill it out at home and return it by post. Make sure it arrives in time, it must be received by 10pm on election day to be counted.
ID requirements:
You do not need photo ID to vote by post. This makes it a useful option for those who don’t yet have ID for in-person voting.
Voting by Proxy
Voting by proxy means asking someone you trust to vote for you, at your polling station, on your behalf.
How to apply:
You must apply by 5pm, 6 days before election day. Applications can be done online or via paper form.
How it works:
The person voting for you – your ‘proxy’ – will go to your polling station and cast your vote in your name. You must let them know who you want to vote for. This can be a friend or family member, and they must be registered to vote.
When it’s useful:
Voting by proxy can be helpful if you’re:
- Unwell or recovering from illness
- Away from home on election day
- Living with a disability or have access needs
- Working or studying and can’t make it to the polls
ID requirements:
You do not need to provide ID as the person appointing a proxy.
However, your proxy will need to show their own photo ID when they go to vote on your behalf. They don’t need to show your ID.
