Voting by proxy
If you know that you will not be able to get to your polling station on polling day, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is often referred to as your proxy.
The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote or can apply to vote on your behalf by post.
To apply for a proxy vote, you need to complete an application. For elections on Thursday 7 May 2026, the deadline to complete and return your application is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. We strongly advise you to apply and return your proxy vote application form as early as possible.
The person you nominate as a proxy must be registered to vote and they cannot vote on behalf of more than 4 electors, of which no more than 2 can be domestic voters. More information on voting by proxy is available on your poll card.
Your proxy does not need to be a Southend voter but bear in mind that they should be able to attend your polling station on your behalf, unless your appointed proxy applies for a postal vote.
Please note that your proxy must show their own accepted photo ID in your polling station to be issued with a ballot paper.
If your proxy does not have an accepted form of photo ID, they will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This will be an A4 paper document displaying your name, photograph, date of issue, issuing local authority, a unique reference number and a recommended renewal date.
For more information, please visit our voting by proxy section.