Proxy voting - Print version

Voting by proxy

Important notice - if you appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, the person you appoint to vote must show their own photographic ID at the polling station. Find out more about Voter ID.

A proxy vote allows you to name someone to cast your vote for you (like a relative or close friend). 

If you are unable to go to your polling station on election day, you may wish to appoint someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote. As a proxy, you will either have to either attend the polling station of the person you are voting for, or apply to vote by post, as the proxy. Around election time there are strict deadlines around this.

Proxy voting - how to apply before an election (not in an emergency)

You can have a proxy vote if:

• You are registered blind.
• You receive the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance.
• There are circumstances resulting in you being unable to go to the polling station at a particular election - for example, because you are on holiday.

You can apply for a proxy vote online. You must have your National Insurance Number (or other identity documentation) and you will need to provide a copy of your signature.

Apply to vote by Proxy [https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote]

If you cannot register online, you can download an application from the GOV.UK website [https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms], complete it and return it by email to electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk] by the deadline.

You will need to scan the completed form as it must contain your signature and National Insurance Number and then email it as an attachment to electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk]

If you cannot supply your National Insurance Number, please state on the form why. You will be required to show other forms of identification and the elections team will contact you to make these checks.

The closing time and date for proxy vote applications is 5pm, six working days before the election.

If you already have a proxy vote

If you have had a proxy vote since before 31 October 2023, you must reapply and make a fresh application by 31 January 2024. We have written to those affected.

Other reasons for having a proxy vote

You can also have a proxy vote for the following reasons, which are usually long term and generally require attestation (must be signed in support):

Physical incapacity

The application must be supported by a registered medical practitioner, registered nurse or Christian Science practitioner providing that the person is giving you care or treatment. If you are in a residential home or sheltered housing then the head of home or warden can support your application.

Occupation, service or employment

The application must be supported by your employer. If you are self-employed the person supporting your application must be 18 or over, must know your circumstances and must not be related to you.

Emergency proxy vote

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.

This must be something that you weren't aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline.

• You have a medical emergency or disability (PDF) [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-to-vote-by-emergency-proxy-due-to-a-disability]
• You are away for work (PDF) [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-to-vote-by-emergency-proxy-due-to-employment]
• Your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged [https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media/10021] This form can also be used if your Anonymous Elector's Document is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.

These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day and must be emailed to electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:electoral.services@coventry.gov.uk]

You will need to scan the completed form as it must contain your signature and National Insurance Number and then email it as an attachment.

If you cannot supply your National Insurance Number, please state on the form why. You will be required to show other forms of identification and the elections team will contact you to make these checks.