Absent voting - postal or proxy

From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by post changed and new applications now require the addition of a National Insurance number. This is due to a change to electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by post.   

If your name appears on the electoral register, you can apply to vote by post at any time, for a specific election or for all elections.

A few points to bear in mind about postal voting

• The deadline for making an application for a postal vote for an election/referendum is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day
• When your postal ballot paper has been issued, you will not be able to vote at the polling station.
• Due to statutory timetables, we can only start mailing postal vote packs for an election around 15 days before polling day. 
• You must return your postal ballot paper(s) by 10pm on polling day. If received after this time, your vote won't be counted.
• If you move or change your name you will need to complete a new postal vote application form.

How to apply for a postal vote

Apply for a postal vote

If you are unable to complete the application form online please contact the Electoral Services team via email electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or via phone on 01483 523116.

From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by proxy changed and new applications now require the addition of a National Insurance number. This is due to a change to electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by proxy.   

If your name appears on the electoral register and you can’t vote yourself, you can appoint a proxy (someone to vote on your behalf).

To apply for a proxy vote for a particular election or referendum:

• The deadline for making an application for a proxy vote is 5pm, six working days before polling day.  However, if you are already registered to vote by post, the deadline to change from a postal vote to a proxy vote is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
• The person you appoint, must be eligible and registered to vote.
• You can apply for a single election or referendum.

An elector is only able to act as a proxy for up to 2 people living in the UK (or a maximum of 4 people, with 2 people living in the UK and 2 people registered as living overseas).

How to apply for a proxy vote

Apply for a proxy vote

If you are unable to complete the application form online please contact the Electoral Services team via email at electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or via phone on 01483 523116.

From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by proxy changed and new applications now require the addition of a National Insurance number. This is due to a change to electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by proxy.   

If your name appears on the electoral register and you can’t vote yourself, you can appoint a proxy (someone to vote on your behalf).

You can apply for a long term proxy vote if:

• The deadline for making an application for a proxy vote is 5pm, six working days before polling day.  However, if you are already registered to vote by post, the deadline to change from a postal vote to a proxy vote is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
• The person you appoint, is eligible and registered to vote.
• You have a disability;
• You are away from home due to education or employment, a Crown Servant, serving in the armed services or an anonymous elector.

An elector is only able to act as a proxy for up to 2 people living in the UK (or a maximum of 4 people, with 2 people living in the UK and 2 people registered as living overseas).

Apply for a proxy vote

Download and complete a proxy vote application form and return a scanned copy to electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or return via post to Electoral Services, Council Offices, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR

Full details are included on the application form, but if you are still unsure please contact the Electoral Services team via email electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or via phone on 01483 523116.

From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by proxy changed and new applications now require the addition of a National Insurance number. This is due to a change to electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by proxy.   

If your name appears on the electoral register and you can’t vote yourself, you can appoint a proxy (someone to vote on your behalf).

You can apply for an overseas proxy vote if:

• The deadline for making an application for a proxy vote is 5pm, six working days before polling day.  However, if you are already registered to vote by post, the deadline to change from a postal vote to a proxy vote is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
• The person you appoint, is eligible and registered to vote.
• You are registered as an overseas elector.

An elector is only able to act as a proxy for up to 2 people living in the UK (or a maximum of 4 people, with 2 people living in the UK and 2 people registered as living overseas).

Apply for a proxy vote

If you are unable to complete the application form online please contact the Electoral Services team via email electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or via phone on 01483 523116.

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 have a medical emergency (PDF)
• You are away for work (PDF)
• Your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged, and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed. This form can also be used if your Anonymous Elector's Document is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.

Download and complete a proxy vote application form and return a scanned copy to electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or return via post to Electoral Services, Council Offices, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR

These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.

You must cancel your postal vote in writing. We can accept an email to electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or letter by post to Electoral Services, Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR confirming that you want to cancel your absent vote. 

The deadline for Electoral Services to receive a cancellation request of a postal vote arrangement before an election is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.

The deadline for Electoral Services to receive a cancellation request of a proxy vote arrangement before an election is 5pm, 6 working days before polling day. However, if your appointed proxy has a postal vote arrangement in place, to vote on your behalf, the deadline before an election is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.