Proxy Voting

What is a proxy vote?

A proxy vote is used when you cannot get to the polling station and so nominate someone else to vote on your behalf. Their name will be held on a separate list at the polling station. You can vote yourself on polling day if necessary so long as you arrive at the polling station before your proxy.

If I become ill in the week before polling day and cannot get to the polling station in person can I still vote?

You can apply for a proxy to vote on your behalf up to 5.00pm on the day of an election. However the application must be attested and signed by a medically-qualified person. More information can be provided by calling the Elections Helpline on 01793 463543 or e-mailing us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk.

How do I get a proxy vote?

You need to contact the Elections Helpline on 01793 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk to ask for an application form.

Can anyone vote as a proxy?

No. The proxy voter must be able to vote in the type of election concerned, but do not need to be registered as an elector. No-one can vote as proxy for more than two electors in the same electoral area unless they are the spouse, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the voter.

The person I want to ask to vote by proxy for me cannot get to the polling station very easily. What should they do?

They can apply to cast their proxy vote by post. Your application for a proxy vote asks you to indicate whether this might be the case. If you tell us so, we will send your proxy the necessary form.