Different ways you can vote

In order to vote you will need to be on the electoral register; please go to the Register to Vote.

There are three different ways you can vote; the method that you choose will depend on what is the most convenient for you. Most people vote in person at their local polling station.

If you are not able to go to the polling station in person on election day, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy (someone voting on your behalf).

Postal vote application

If you would like to vote by post, download, print and complete a postal vote application form and send it to us at the address given below. You can also download, print and scan the completed application and send it back to us via email at: elecreg@swindon.gov.uk. Make sure the scanned copy is as clear as possible so we are able to see the information you have provided in the form.

Alternatively, email elecreg@swindon.gov.uk or call the Electoral Services team on 01793 464601 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

You are able to request a postal vote for a particular election, a specific time period or until further notice. If you wish for your postal vote to be sent to an address different to the one you are registered at you will need to provide a reason for this decision.

If your postal vote has not arrived at least four working days before an election, or any documents are missing from your postal voting pack, please contact the elections team immediately on 01793 464601. Replacements cannot be provided after 5:00pm on the day of the election.

Your postal vote will need to reach the Returning Officer by 10:00pm on the day of the election. We recommend you post it at least two days before to allow sufficient time.

You are also able to deliver your postal vote before 10.00pm on the day of the election to:

• any polling station in the ward where you are registered to vote, or
• Electoral Services,
  Civic Offices,
  Euclid Street,
  Swindon
  SN1 2JH

Proxy vote application

A proxy vote is used when a person is unable to vote and wishes to nominate someone to do so, on their behalf. This may be by visiting a polling station or by postal vote. You can vote yourself on polling day if necessary as long as you arrive at the polling station before your proxy.

If you would like a proxy vote please download print and complete a proxy vote application form and send it to us at the address given below.

Alternatively, e-mail elecreg@swindon.gov.uk or call the Electoral Services team on 01793 464601 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

If you become ill after the close of proxy voting you can apply for an emergency proxy to vote on your behalf up to 5.00pm on the day of an election. The application must be attested and signed by a medically qualified person. See details below.

The person acting as proxy must be able to vote in the type of election concerned and has to be registered themselves. A person can only act as proxy for a maximum of two electors unless they are the spouse, or an immediate family member.

Electoral Services
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

For more information on voting please visit the voter page at the Electoral Commission website.

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 can apply using the following downloadable forms:

• Emergency disability proxy vote application form
• Emergency employment proxy vote application form
• Application to vote by emergency proxy based on COVID-19 (This form can also be used to change your nominated proxy if they are self-isolating).

These applications can be made up to 5.00pm on polling day.