If you won’t be able to get to your polling station on election day, you can apply for a postal vote. You can also nominate someone, known as your proxy, to cast your vote for you.
You must be registered to vote before you can apply to vote by post or proxy.
You can email us a clear scanned copy of your application form. If you prefer, you can post it to us. You can mark it ‘Freepost RSUL-CZRU-TCYC’, in which case it will travel by second-class post – attach a first-class stamp if you want it to arrive quicker.
Our email and address details are at the bottom of this page.
Jump to: Vote by proxy
Vote by post
Postal votes can be permanent or just for a particular election. You don't need to give a reason for applying, unless you want us to send your ballot paper to somewhere other than your registered address.
- Postal ballot papers are sent out about two weeks before an election.
- You’ll get instructions on how to complete your postal vote, as well as a pre-paid envelope to return the ballot paper in (for UK addresses only).
- Only postal votes received by 10pm on election day can be counted, so you’ll need to make sure you post your vote back in good time.
- You may also hand deliver your postal vote to the Guildhall or, on election day, to any polling station in your ward.
Although we can send ballot papers to addresses outside the UK, you should bear in mind the length of time taken for post to travel in either direction. Postal votes going outside of the UK are sent by air mail, but you’ll need to pay the return postage. We advise that you appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf as, while we make every effort to get your postal vote issued in good time, we can’t guarantee that it will reach you and be returned in time to be counted.
If you can’t give a signature on the application form because you find it difficult to sign your name the same each time, contact us about applying for a postal vote waiver.
Vote by proxy
The person that you appoint as your proxy must be registered to vote and also be eligible to vote in the election you’re asking them to vote in.
A person can’t vote as proxy for more than two voters, including yourself, unless they’re the spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child or grandchild of the voter.
Anyone can have a temporary proxy vote, but it will only last for one election. Permanent proxy voting is restricted and you can only apply if:
- you have a physical incapacity
- you’re registered blind
- your employment or education makes it difficult for you to attend the polling station
- you’re registered as an overseas elector
If your proxy can’t go to your allocated polling station on election day they can apply to receive your vote by post, but both your proxy and their postal application must be received before the deadline to vote by post in any election.
Contact us for more information about proxy voting by post.
