Absent Voting
Alternative Methods
There are alternatives to voting in person at the polling station, these are known as Absent Voting and form two main styles.
What is an absent vote?
There are two types…
1. Postal Vote
You complete an application form containing your signature, if you are able to sign.
You receive your ballot paper in the mail before an election and post it back, ensuring it will arrive before the polls close.
2. Proxy vote
You complete a form telling us the name of someone you trust who you’ve chosen to go to the polling station if you can’t go. This person must be registered to vote.
Anyone can have a proxy vote for a single election, but there are strict rules about who can have a permanent proxy vote, usually to do with work, study, or disability.
How to apply
Contact us to request a form, or download one from our website below.
What if I cannot sign the form?
If you cannot make a consistent signature, you can still apply for a postal vote using our signature waiver form.
If you need other help to set up a postal vote, please contact us using your preferred method and we can advise how best we can help you.
- Voting by Post – This is where your ballot paper(s) will be sent to you in advance of polling day and must be completed and returned before the close of poll.
- Voting by Proxy – This is where you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf
