What is proxy voting?
You and your proxy must be registered to vote in the UK before you can apply for a proxy vote.
Proxy voting is where you appoint somebody you trust to cast your vote on your behalf, either at a polling station or by post. You and your proxy must be registered to vote in the UK.
A person cannot be appointed a proxy for more than two people. If you vote on behalf of UK voters who live overseas, you can act as a proxy for up to four people, but only two of those can live in the UK.
You need to prove your identity as part of the application process. Both online and paper applications require ID verification. You will need to supply your date of birth, National Insurance number and signature.
If you apply for a proxy vote for a particular election, you do not need anyone to support your application, but you do need to give a reason, i.e. holidays, illness, employment.
If you wish to have a proxy vote for a specific period of time, or permanently, you need to give the reason and ask someone to support your application. Who can support your application depends on the type of proxy you are applying for.
Apply for a proxy vote
You can now apply online for certain types of proxy vote.
Apply for a proxy vote online on the GOV.UK website.
During the application process you will need to provide:
- Your National Insurance number
- A photograph of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
If you cannot provide a signature, or cannot make a consistent signature, you may be able to apply for a postal vote signature waiver within the online service.
If you cannot provide a National Insurance number you might be asked for extra documents to confirm your identity.
You cannot use the online service for permanent application to vote by proxy if it is for reasons of employment, education or disability. You will need to apply using a paper form.
Apply for a proxy vote using a paper form
If you cannot apply online you can download, print off and complete a paper form.
Download a paper form from the Electoral Commission website.
To return your paper form, or to request that we send you a paper application form you can use the contact details below.
Email: elections3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
Post:
Electoral Registration Officer
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street
Kendal
LA9 4DQ
Alternatively you can contact the teams in person at the Town Hall at Barrow, Kendal or Penrith.