Voting by post or proxy

If you cannot attend your polling station for any reason, you can choose to vote by post or proxy.

How to apply

You must already be registered to vote to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

If you want to have your ballot paper sent to you in the post, you will need to apply to vote by post.

By post

Visit the government website to apply for a postal vote online. You will need your national insurance number to hand.

If you are unable to apply online please email elections@scambs.gov.uk to request a paper form.

The deadline to apply to vote by post or amend an existing postal vote is 5pm 11 working days before polling day.

By proxy

You can also choose to vote by proxy. This is when you appoint someone to visit your polling station on your behalf.

Visit the government website to apply for a proxy vote online. You will need your national insurance number to hand.

If you are unable to apply online please email elections@scambs.gov.uk to request a paper form.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm 5 working days before polling day. Anyone may apply to vote by proxy as a one-off, for a specific election/referendum.

If you would like to apply for a permanent proxy vote, you should contact the Elections team to discuss your requirements. 

Emergency proxies

An emergency proxy can be applied for after the deadline for appointing a normal proxy has closed. This applies to those who have to be away for work and only discovered this after the proxy application deadline and for those who have fallen ill after the deadline. These proxies would need to be supported by an employer (there are provisions for the self employed) or a relevant medical professional.

Further information and applications forms can be found on the Electoral Commission Website