Elections and Voting

Long-term proxy voting

If you are registered to vote you can apply to vote by proxy on an indefinite basis if you:

• Have a disability
• Are away on an educational course
• Are away for work
• Are registered as an oversees voter
• Work overseas for the British Council or as a Crown servant
• Overseas in armed forces

The person you appoint must be aged 18 or over and registered and eligible to vote in the same type of election or referendum.

Please note: Changes to proxy voting came into effect on 31 October 2023. The changes include:

• All existing proxy voting arrangements must be renewed by 31 January 2024.
• All proxy voting arrangements will require renewal every 5 years.
• Overseas voters holding a proxy voting arrangement will require renewal every 3 years.
• People can only act as a proxy for no more than two people based in the UK, regardless of their relationship.
• If they are acting as proxy for people living overseas, they can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.

How to appoint someone to vote for you

You can apply online for some types of proxy vote, and your identity will be checked as part of the process. Both online and paper applications do require ID verification.

Your proxy can either go to your polling station to cast your vote or can apply to vote by post.

If you have any difficulties, please use the online form linked below or visit the Watford Town Hall Customer Services Centre in person for assistance.

To arrange for someone to vote for you at a specific election

If you can't get to your local polling station on polling day (like if you're on holiday or away at university) you can download the proxy application form. Return your proxy application form by post or in person.

Further information

Read further information about proxy voting on the GOV.UK website or electoral commission website.

To find out more about proxy voting you can contact us online contact form or by calling 01923 278369.