Voting by proxy

If you are unable to vote in person you can get someone to vote for you, and tell them who to vote for. This is called a proxy vote.

Before you apply

From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by proxy will be rejected where a national insurance number is not provided. This is due to a change to electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by proxy. 

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy, as long as they are registered to vote and it’s for a type of election they’re allowed to vote in. 

A person is not entitled to vote as proxy in any electoral area on behalf of more than four electors. Within the four electors, no more than two can be domestic electors. Domestic electors are those electors who are neither service voters nor overseas electors.

How to apply for a proxy vote

To complete an application to vote by proxy on the secure government portal, visit www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

You will be required to provide your national insurance number, as well as submitting a photograph of your signature. Please ensure the photograph of your signature is on plain, white paper and that the photograph is clear and light. 

If you are unable to submit an application on the secure government portal, please email elections@hartlepool.gov.uk to request a paper application form.     

Return your completed paper form to us either: 

  • As a scanned attachment to an email to elections@hartlepool.gov.uk.  Please ensure that the image is of good quality and your signature is clear. Attachments should be sent in an acceptable file format (PDF). 

  • or post it to us at Elections Office, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY

Please note that you must print the form and provide your physical ("wet") signature using black ink on the application before you return your form.  If you do not have access to a printer, please email elections@hartlepool.gov.uk and we will post the application form to you. 

Usually, you need to apply at least 6 working days before election day.

There are different forms, depending on why you can’t get to the polling station. Make sure you complete the right one.

Your proxy will receive a proxy letter about a week before election day, enabling him/her to vote at the designated polling station. If you need to vote by proxy for an indefinite period due to disability, moving house or your work regularly taking you away from home then contact us on our Election Helpline on 01429 523088 to make special arrangements.