Elections and voting
Apply to vote by proxy
You can request a proxy vote if you want someone else to vote on your behalf because you can’t get to your polling station on polling day.
Your proxy is then intended to vote in the way you direct. Unlike postal voting, proxy voting, other than for 1 election, is restricted to certain categories of people.
The law is changing from 31 October 2023, there is a limit to the amount of people you can act as proxy for.
You can apply online for a proxy vote, except if your application form needs attesting by someone or if applying for an emergency proxy. Find out more information on the electoral commission website
Apply to vote by proxy
The deadline to vote by proxy in a specific election is 5pm, 6 working days before the election.
As a proxy, you will either have to attend the polling station of the person you are voting for, or apply to vote by post as the proxy.
If you want to appoint a proxy to vote for you, they must be:
- Willing to vote on your behalf
- A British citizen or citizen of the Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland; or for local government, a citizen of the European Union
- Old enough to vote (aged 18 plus) and legally allowed to vote
- Registered to vote
Photo ID
As a proxy you will need to take and show at the polling station your before you are given a ballot paper for the elector.
You do NOT need to bring any photo ID for the elector.
What if I want to vote by proxy at more than one election?
If you want a proxy vote for more than one election, you must have one of the following reasons:
- You have a physical disability
- You are away from home due to your job or you are on a course
- You have to travel by air or sea to get to your polling station
In all the above cases, except if you are registered blind, someone has to sign (attest) your application and say it is true, like your employer or doctor.
Emergency proxy vote
In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can’t vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.
This must be something that you weren’t aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline.
- You have a medical emergency (pdf 171KB)
- You are away for work (pdf 702KB)
- Your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged (pdf 137KB), and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed. This form can also be used if your Anonymous Elector’s Document is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.
You can scan the form and send it as an attachment to an email, or you can post the form to us.
- Email elections@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
- Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ
These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.
After you have applied
- The person voting for you must go to your polling station to vote. If they cannot get there they can apply for a postal vote.
- They will be sent a proxy poll card telling them which polling station they have to go to.
- You must let them know who you want them to vote for.
- If you are able to get to the polling station, you can vote as long as they have not already voted for you or applied for a postal vote.