1. What is voting by proxy?
2. Who can apply to vote by proxy?
3. How can I apply to vote by proxy?
4. Who can be my proxy?
5. What is the deadline for applications for a proxy vote?
6. How can my proxy cast my vote?
7. If I have a proxy vote, can I still vote in person if I want to?
8. How do I change or cancel my proxy vote?
9. The deadline for applications for a proxy vote has passed. Am I out of options?
10. I’m a proxy voter but I’ve recently moved house or changed my name? What should I do?
1. What is voting by proxy?
Voting by proxy is when you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf.
2. Who can apply to vote by proxy?
Anyone who is (or has applied to be) registered to vote can apply to vote by proxy at a single election. You will, however, need to provide a reason why you cannot attend the polling station (e.g. you will be on holiday).
The following electors can also appoint a long-term proxy for either a definite or indefinite period:
• electors unable to attend the polling station:
- due to their disability;
- due to their occupation, service or employment; and
- due to their attendance on an educational course.
• overseas voters (i.e. British citizens living abroad)
• service voters (e.g. members of the armed forces)
• anonymous electors
Long-term proxy voting arrangements are subject to a five-yearly signature refresh.
Long-term proxy voting arrangements for electors unable to attend the polling station due to their occupation, service or employment or their attendance on an educational course are also subject to a three-yearly eligibility check.
3. How can I apply to vote by proxy?
You can apply online:
• to vote by proxy at a single election; or
• for a long-term proxy for an overseas voter or service voter.
You can also apply for these types of proxy vote by completing a paper application form and posting or emailing it to the Elections Office.
For all other types of long-term proxy vote, you can only apply by completing a paper application form and posting or emailing it to the Elections Office.
Application forms for a long-term proxy for electors unable to attend the polling station due to their disability, their occupation, service or employment or their attendance on an educational course must be attested (or countersigned) by a supporter who meets certain criteria.
If you are unable to print an application form, please contact the Elections Office and we will be happy to send one in the post.
4. Who can be my proxy?
Someone can be your proxy if they are:
• 18 or over;
• registered to vote in the UK; and
• eligible to vote in the types of election in which you wish them to vote on your behalf.
A proxy can vote on behalf of a maximum of four other people at a single election - but no more than two of those people can be domestic electors. Domestic electors are voters who are neither overseas voters nor service voters.
5. What is the deadline for applications for a proxy vote?
In order to take effect for the local government election for the Council of the Isles of Scilly on Thursday 1 May 2025, applications for a proxy vote must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025 (unless you are changing from a postal vote to a proxy vote in which case the application must be received by 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025).
6. How can my proxy cast my vote?
Your proxy can either vote in person at your designated polling station or they can apply to vote for you by post.
If your proxy votes in person at the polling station, they will need to show their photo ID (not yours).
If your proxy wishes to vote for you by post, please ask them to contact the Elections Office so the necessary paperwork can be completed. The deadline for a proxy to apply for a postal vote is the same as for a standard postal voting application (i.e. 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025 for the forthcoming local government election for the Council of the Isles of Scilly).
7. If I have a proxy vote, can I still vote in person if I want to?
You can still vote in person at the polling station but only if:
• your proxy has not already voted for you at the polling station; and
• your proxy has not requested a postal vote on your behalf.
8. How do I change or cancel my proxy vote?
Please contact the Elections Office if you would like to change or cancel your proxy vote.
If you want to change or cancel your proxy vote in time for the local government election for the Council of the Isles of Scilly on Thursday 1 May 2025, the deadline for doing so is 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025.
Please be aware, however, you can submit a new proxy voting application until 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025. If you submit a new proxy voting application, it will automatically replace the old one.
9. The deadline for applications for a proxy vote has passed. Am I out of options?
An elector may appoint an emergency proxy up to 5pm on polling day in the following circumstances:
• in the case of a medical condition, illness or disability arising after the deadline for ordinary proxy applications;
• if their occupation, service or employment means they cannot go to the polling station in person and they became aware of this after the deadline for ordinary proxy applications;
• if they meet any of the conditions relating to emergency proxies on the grounds of voter identification (e.g. the accepted photo ID they were intending to use has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed after the deadline for making an application for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed, or has not yet been received if applied for recently); and
• if they are a mental health patient detained under civil powers.
Please contact the Elections Office if you would like to discuss the option of appointing an emergency proxy.
10. I’m a proxy voter but I’ve recently moved house or changed my name? What should I do?
Please refer to the relevant questions in the Registering to vote section of the FAQs.