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If you know that you won’t be able to get to the polling station on election day, you can vote by post or ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you, which is called a proxy vote. As we look ahead to the next scheduled election, which is for the Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday 2 May 2024, we’re raising awareness of some recent national changes to voting by post and proxy:
- Apply online - You now have the additional option to apply online to vote by post and for some types of proxy vote too. Applications can still be made using the paper forms though
- Prove your identity – You need to prove your identity when applying to vote by post and proxy, by providing your National Insurance number (or a reason why one cannot be provided). This follows on from a change earlier this year requiring those voting at polling stations to bring photo ID, or a voter ID document. All existing proxy voters are required to reapply before 31 January 2024 and the elections team will be in touch soon if this affects you
- Three-year limit on postal votes - Since 31 October 2023, a postal vote can be in place for either a specific poll; a definite period of up to three years; or a maximum period of three years. If you have a long-term postal vote arrangement that was in place before 31 October 2023, there will be transitional arrangements and the elections team will be in touch over the coming year
- Proxy limit – There are new limits on how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. You can only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK. If you act as a proxy for people living overseas, you can act as proxy for up to four people, but only two of these can be based in the UK.
For more information visit Ways to vote | Electoral Commission or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280. Information is always available on our elections and voting pages.