How to register to vote by proxy in the UK General Election 2017

A woman heads towards a polling station in north London during a previous General Election
Getty Images
Hatty Collier1 June 2017
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Time is running out to register to vote by proxy if you are unable to attend a polling station on the day of the General Election.

Voters who would like someone else to submit their ballot on their behalf on June 8 have just two weeks left to register.

More than a million applications to register to vote have been made since Theresa May called the General Election.

Those who wish to vote can do so in person, by post or by proxy.

Here’s what you need to know about registering to vote by proxy.

What is a proxy vote?

A proxy vote is used when you are unable to vote in person on polling day and would like someone to attend on your behalf.

Who is eligible to vote proxy?

You must provide a reason if you wish to vote by proxy. You can apply for a proxy vote for the following reasons:

  • you are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday
  • you have a physical condition that means you cannot attend a polling station on election day
  • your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day
  • your attendance on an educational course means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day
  • you are a British citizen living overseas
  • you are a crown servant or a member of the Armed Forces

Who can act as a proxy?

The person you wish to appoint to vote on your behalf must be 18 or over and registered to vote in the election.

A person cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election or referendum, unless they are a close relative.

How do I register to vote by proxy?

There are different forms to download and complete for the different reasons for voting by proxy. They can be found here.

After completing the right form, you will need to print it, sign it and send it back to your local electoral registration office. You can find the details for your local electoral registration office here.

When is the deadline?

The deadline to apply to vote by proxy at the General Election is 5pm on Wednesday, May 31.

How do I vote by proxy?

Your proxy will be sent a proxy polling card which will tell them which polling station to vote at and when.

You must tell your proxy which candidate or party you want them to vote for on your behalf when they attend the polling station that day.

Voting by emergency proxy

If you have a medical emergency six working days or less before the election, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day. Your application to vote by proxy must be supported by a doctor or nurse who must sign your application.

If you are not able to attend the polling station in person for reasons relating to your employment and you only become aware of this after 5pm on the sixth working day before an election, you can also apply to vote by emergency proxy up until 5pm on election day.

You must fill in one of these two forms and send it to your local electoral registration office.

General Election 2017 Campaign - In pictures

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