If you are registered to vote, there are circumstances where 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
Permanent Postal / Proxy Vote
To apply for a permanent postal vote or proxy you must have a valid reason. This includes the following:
- illness/disability
- away from home for education reasons
- away from home for reasons of work/employment
How to apply for a Permanent Postal/Proxy vote?
To apply for a permanent postal/proxy vote:
- Download and complete the relevant form below
- Return the completed form to us at the address provided on the form
If you went online to register to vote, then you will have a Digital Registration Number and you MUST provide this Number on your permanent postal/proxy vote application form. You can be sent your Digital Registration Number at this link www.eoni.org.uk/drn
There is a periodic review of all permanent absent votes and you will be required to reply indicating that you still require an absent vote.
Temporary Postal / Proxy Vote
If on the run-up to an election you are away, for example on holiday, then you can apply for a temporary postal vote or proxy for the upcoming election. The forms to apply for a temporary postal vote or proxy will be available on this webpage when an election is called.
If you need further help?
If you have any queries about applying to vote by post or proxy please contact us or visit our Absent Voting FAQs.