Proxy voting

If you can't vote at a polling station, or you don't want to, find out what a proxy vote is and how to apply for one.

What a proxy vote is

A proxy vote is when you nominate a trusted person to vote for you. This person then becomes your 'proxy'. They'll be able to go to your polling station and vote for you, or they can apply to vote as a proxy by post. If your proxy votes for you at your polling station, they'll need to have photo ID. 

Your proxy must:

  • be registered to vote
  • be eligible to vote in the same election
  • go to your polling station to vote for you, even if it is a different polling station from their own

How to apply

You need to verify your identity when you apply for a proxy vote. You can do this by providing your National Insurance number. If you can't provide a National Insurance number, or we aren't able to verify your identity with it, we'll ask you for more identification.

You can apply for a proxy vote online. 

You will be asked to: 

  • give the address where you are registered to vote 
  • give the address where your proxy is registered to vote 
  • prove your identity by providing your National Insurance number if you have one 
  • upload a clear scan or photo of your signature

If you are not able to apply online, then contact us and we will send you a paper application form.

To ask for help filling in the form, or to ask us to send you a form:

Return completed application forms to us:

Application deadlines

Proxy vote applications

Make your application for a proxy vote by 5pm, 6 working days before an election.

Change or cancel existing proxy arrangements

Change or cancel existing proxy arrangements by 5pm, 11 working days before an election.

Find the proxy application deadlines for upcoming elections in Brighton & Hove.