Postal and Proxy Voting FAQs

Q1: I will not be able to vote in person. What can I do?
Q2: How do I get a postal vote?
Q3: I have received a postal vote but never applied to vote in this way
Q4: I want to cancel my postal vote
Q5: I have missed the deadline for a postal vote, what can I do?
Q6: I haven't received my postal ballot paper yet
Q7: I opted for a postal vote but I don't want to post it or  it's too late to post it
Q8: Who can apply for a proxy vote?
Q9: I want to cancel my proxy vote
Q10: You have been taken ill or been in an accident can I still vote?
Q11: I have been called away at the last minute with work
Q12: I've been made a proxy for someone and I don't know how it works

Q1: I will not be able to vote in person. What can I do?

You can apply for a postal vote - the ballot paper will be sent to you or proxy vote - a proxy means that another elector can vote on your behalf. 

Q2: How do I get a postal vote?

Please contact Electoral Services and we will advise if you are eligible to vote in this way. 

Apply online for a postal vote

Q3: I have received a postal vote but never applied to vote in this way

Please contact the office on 01784 444218 immediately.

Q4: I want to cancel my postal vote

You must put your request to cancel arrangements in writing otherwise you will still be issued a postal voting pack. An email is not acceptable as we require your signature.

Q5: I have missed the deadline for a postal vote, what can I do?

You still have time to arrange for a proxy vote. Please contact Electoral Services for a form. We must receive your application form back by 5pm on the sixth working day before the election.

Q6: I haven't received my postal ballot paper yet

You can get a replacement ballot paper in person from Electoral Services, up until 5pm on polling day. You will need to bring identification with you.

Q7: I opted for a postal vote but I don't want to post it or it's too late to post it

No problem. You can deliver your postal vote pack (with ballot paper) to any polling station within the Electoral Division during polling hours. You can also bring it to the Council Offices during the run-up to polling day but be sure you do this before 10pm on election day. Postal votes received after 10pm will not be counted.

Q8: Who can apply for a proxy vote?

Anyone can apply for a proxy for a specific election, but you must provide the reason why you are not able to go to your polling station on election day. Please contact Electoral Services to discuss if you are eligible. If you already have a postal vote already in place this must be cancelled in writing first. 

Q9: I want to cancel my proxy vote

You must put your request in writing. An email is not acceptable as we require a signature.

Q10: You have been taken ill or been in an accident can I still vote?

You can apply to vote by proxy for emergency medical reasons up until 5pm on election day. You will need to get a form from us which you will then need to take away and get countersigned by your doctor.

Q11: I have been called away at the last minute with work

You can apply for an emergency proxy. You will need to obtain a form from us which will need to be countersigned by your employer.

Q12: I've been made a proxy for someone and I don't know how it works

It's simple to vote as someone's proxy. You will be sent a special proxy letter with details of where you should go to cast their vote. When you get to the polling station just tell the staff there that you are voting as a proxy and they will tell you what to do. Don't forget to take your proxy letter - this will speed up the issuing of the ballot papers. The person you are voting for can still go to the polling station to cast their vote but he/she will have to go to the polling station before you.