Voting by Post or Proxy

Please note: there are important changes to the postal and proxy voting process for 2024.

If you are voting by post or by proxy for the elections, please read the following information.

Watch our Absent Voting Changes video for more information.

 

Voting by Post

You do not need to provide photo ID to vote by post.  You will need to provide your date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement.

Visit Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK  to apply online.

You can apply for a postal vote for a particular election, for a set period of time, or a 3 year maximum period. There will no longer be an option to permanently hold a postal vote, instead after a maximum period of three years voters will need to reapply.   Find out more about the changes to postal voting  .  

An application to vote by post must be received by 5pm 11 days before the date of the poll. 

 

Voting by Proxy (allowing someone you trust to vote on your behalf)

The person you choose to vote on your behalf will need to go to your polling station to vote and will need to show their own photo ID to be able to cast your vote.  They will not need to show your ID when voting on your behalf.

You can apply for a Proxy vote for a specific election.  This could be because you’re away on holiday or away for work for an upcoming polling day.

Or

A proxy vote for long-term .  This is if you won’t be able to go to the polling station for the foreseeable future, or a long period of time. This could be because you have a physical incapacity, you are an overseas voter, a Crown Servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces or your employment or studying means that you are unable to go to a polling station on the day of an election. Please note you will need to provide supporting information or a Supporter’s declaration.

Visit Apply for a proxy vote - GOV.UK to apply online.

Voters will not be able to apply online if their application needs attesting or if applying for an emergency proxy vote. 

The law changed on 31 October 2023, there is now a limit to the amount of people you can act as proxy for.  Voters will be limited to acting as a proxy for two people, regardless of their relationship.  Anyone voting on behalf of UK voters who live overseas could act as a proxy for up to four people.  Find out more out the changes to proxy voting.

An application to vote by proxy must be received by 5pm 6 days before the date of the poll.

 

Voting by Emergency Proxy

In certain circumstances where you have an emergency that means you cannot go to the polling station in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.  This must be something you were not aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline for instance:  

1. You have a medical emergency
2. You are away for work
3. Your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed.

To apply for an emergency proxy you will need to complete the relevant application form, please email elections@castlepoint.gov.uk or call 01268 882200.

If you require further advice, or cannot apply online please contact the Electoral Services team at elections@castlepoint.gov.uk or telephone - 01268 882200.