Voting by proxy (asking someone else to vote on your behalf)
For elections on Thursday 2 May 2024, the deadline to complete and return your application is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024.We strongly advise you to apply and return your proxy vote application form as early as possible.
Proxy voting is when you get someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You should not be asked or told to appoint someone as a proxy voter: it is your choice alone and you should only appoint someone you trust.
You can only appoint a proxy voter in limited circumstances where you are unable to vote.
Your proxy can vote for a maximum of 4 people. No more than 2 of those people can be domestic electors. Domestic electors are voters who are neither overseas voters nor service voters.
Your proxy must be a registered elector but does not need to live in Southend. However, please bear in mind that your proxy will need to attend your polling station on your behalf, unless your appointed proxy applies for a postal vote.
Who can apply for a proxy vote?
You can apply for a proxy vote if:
- you are unable to go to the polling station for a particular election
- you are away on holiday
- you have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day
- due to your job you cannot go to the polling station on election day
- your attendance on an education course means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day
- you are a British Citizen living overseas
- you are a Crown Servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces
For more information on proxy voting, please visit the Electoral Commission website.
Apply for a proxy vote
The way you apply for a proxy vote has changed.
You can apply online if you want to vote by proxy. You will need to provide your National Insurance number as part of your application.
Make sure you complete all sections of the form and supply your date of birth, National Insurance number, and signature.
If you are not able to supply a consistent signature, you can still apply for a proxy vote. Please contact electoral services office on 01702 215010.
If you need help applying to vote by proxy or you would like us to send you a paper application form through the post, please contact elections@southend.gov.uk or 01702215010.
Deadline to make a proxy application
We must have accepted your application to vote by a proxy and any supporting evidence required.
The deadline to make a new application to vote by proxy is 5pm 6 working days before an election. But we strongly advise you to apply and return your proxy vote application form as early as possible.
Deadline to make changes to existing application
If you have already successfully applied for a proxy vote and wish to make changes the deadline is 5pm 11 working days before an election.
How can a proxy vote on your behalf?
A proxy can:
- vote in person by going to your polling station
- vote by post. The proxy will need to contact the Electoral Services team on 01702 215010 for a postal proxy application form. The form must be submitted by no later than 5pm on the 11th working day before the date of the election
Can you still vote if you have appointed a proxy?
Yes, you can still vote in person at your polling station, as long as your proxy hasn't already voted for you.
If your proxy is going to the polling station on your behalf, they will need to make sure they have relevant photographic ID.
If you decide to go to the polling station instead of your proxy, you must have relevant photographic ID.