If you are registered to vote you may not be able to get to your polling station to vote. Instead, you can apply for an absent vote. There are two types of absent votes:
- Postal vote - this is where your ballot paper is posted to you in advance of the election. You then complete your ballot paper and post it back to us.
- Proxy vote - this is where you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf. They would go and vote for you in your allocated polling station.
Temporary Postal / Proxy Vote
If on the run-up to a specific election you are away, for example on holiday, then you can apply for a temporary postal vote or proxy for the upcoming election only. The forms to apply for a temporary postal vote or proxy will be available on this webpage when an election is called.
Permanent Postal / Proxy Vote
To get a permanent or long-term postal vote or proxy you must have a valid reason. These are:
- disability/illness
- away from home for education reasons
- away from home for work/employment reasons
To apply for a permanent postal/proxy vote:
- Download, print and complete the relevant form below
- Return the completed form to us by post to the address provided on the form
Postal vote
Proxy vote
If you went online to register to vote, then you will have a Digital Registration Number and you MUST provide this number on your postal/proxy vote application form. You can obtain your Digital Registration Number at this link www.eoni.org.uk/drn
There is a periodic review of all permanent absent votes and if reviewed you will be required to reply indicating whether or not you still require an absent vote.
If you need further help?
If you have queries about applying for a postal or proxy vote visit our Absent Voting FAQs.