Voting by proxy

Voting by proxy

If you are unable to vote in person at your polling station, you can nominate someone to vote on your behalf. This person, known as your 'proxy', can either vote in person at your designated polling station in Gosport (between 7am and 10pm on polling day) or apply to vote by post as proxy.

If your proxy votes in person, they must bring their own photo ID. See Voter ID for further information.

You must be registered to vote before applying for a proxy vote.

Key deadlines

• New proxy vote applications must be received by 5pm, six working days before polling day.
• Changes or cancellations to an existing proxy, postal, or postal proxy vote must be received by 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
• If you move house or change your name, you need to submit a new proxy vote application.

Choosing a proxy

Your chosen proxy must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Registered to vote in the UK
• Eligible to vote in the election
• In possession of valid photo ID
• Able to vote at your polling station (or apply for a postal proxy vote)

A person can be a proxy for a maximum of four electors, but only two can be based in the UK.

How to apply for a proxy vote

You can apply online if:

• You want to appoint a proxy for a specific election
• You are a registered overseas or service voter

Click here to apply online for a proxy vote.

If you need an ongoing proxy vote due to a disability, employment, or education, you must complete a paper application form. This requires a signature from a qualified person to support your application (details are on the form). 

You can download the form here, or contact Electoral Services for a form to be posted to you.  

Returning your form

Once completed, return your form by:

• Email to electoral.registration@gosport.gov.uk.
• Post to Electoral Services, Gosport Borough Council, Town Hall, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1EB.
• Hand-deliver to the Town Hall.

Postal proxy voting

If your proxy cannot attend the polling station in person, they can apply for a postal proxy vote.

To set up a postal proxy vote, we must receive:

• A valid proxy application (signed and dated by the elector)
• A valid postal proxy application (signed and dated by the proxy)

Both applications must be received by 5pm, 11 working days before polling day. If your proxy needs a postal proxy application form, contact Electoral Services. 

Emergency proxy voting

You may be eligible for an emergency proxy vote if you become aware of any of the following after the proxy deadline (5pm, six working days before polling day):

• A medical emergency prevents you from voting in person
• Your work, service, or employment commitments change unexpectedly
• The photo ID you intended to use becomes unavailable, and you have no alternative ID
• Your proxy's photo ID becomes unavailable, and they have no alternative ID

Emergency proxy applications can be made up until 5pm on polling day.

To apply, download the emergency proxy application form from the Electoral Commission website.

Important: You cannot apply for an emergency proxy vote if you have an existing postal vote arrangement.