Postal and Proxy Voting

People who cannot, or do not wish to go to their polling station on election days can apply for postal or, in certain cases, proxy votes.

Postal Votes

You can apply for a postal vote for a particular day, for a specified period, or you can make an application for an "indefinite" period. Everyone who applies must use a separate form. Please do not put two or more peoples details on the same form.

Proxy Voting

Voting by proxy means that someone else will go to your polling station to cast your vote for you. Not everyone can have a proxy vote. You must have a particular reason for wanting one and it is likely that your application will have to supported (signed) by someone else to say that your reason is a valid one.
You can have a proxy vote:-

• if you have a long term illness or you are disabled and cannot get to your polling station
  you must get a registered medical practioner, a registered nurse or a Christian Science Practitioner to sign your form. (if you are registered blind or recieve a mobility allowance you do not need to have your application signed).
• if you will be away from home because of your (or your spouses') work. Your employer (or if you are self-employed someone who knows you that is not related to you) must sign your form.
• if you will be away from home because you are a student or you are on an educational course, your application must be supported by someone at the educational institution concerned. If you are on a short business trip or training course you do not need anyone to sign your form, but the vote will only cover elections on one date.
• if you cannot get to your polling station without traveling by sea or air, e.g. you may be away on a foreign holiday. Nobody else's signature is needed. You do not need anyone to sign your form, but the vote will only cover elections on one date.

Another useful website is About My Vote.

For further information please contact Democratic Support Services on 01789 260208 or by email at elections@stratford-dc.gov.uk or by fax on 01789 260244.