Proxy voting

If you are unable to go to a polling station because of a long-term health problem or your employment circumstances mean that you are often away from the area during polling hours, you can apply to be a long-term absent voter.

In this situation, you can appoint someone else, a proxy, to vote on your behalf or you can apply to vote by post. Application forms for this service are available from the electoral services office.

When an election is announced you may find that you will be out of the area on the day of the election, perhaps on holiday or working abroad. In this case you may be able to appoint someone to vote for you. You can only register as an absent voter once an election is called and the status only applies for that particular election.

There are special registration arrangements for British and other Commonwealth citizens who are members of the armed forces, for British citizens living abroad, Crown servants serving abroad and voluntary patients resident in mental hospitals. They should contact the electoral office for more information.

All of the persons mentioned above (except British citizens living abroad) may vote at local government elections. Citizens of a mainland European Union state may register to vote at European parliamentary elections by completing a further registration form.

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