Proxy votes

Voting by proxy means appointing someone you trust to vote at your polling station on your behalf.

Proxy vote for a specific election

You can apply to vote by proxy for one specific election (or referendum).

The person you choose to be your proxy can be anybody as long as they are registered and eligible to vote at the election. They can only be a proxy for close relatives and up to 2 other people.

You should let your proxy know how you want to vote on your behalf. If it turns out that you are able to go to the polling station on election day, you can vote in person as long as your proxy has not already done so or has not applied to vote for you by post.

You can apply for a proxy vote online.

Apply for a proxy vote

Alternatively you may wish to consider applying for a postal vote.

You can also download a paper proxy voting form here. Please send any queries to us at elections@arun.gov.uk

The deadline for proxy vote applications is 5pm, 6 working days before an election.

If you have missed this deadline you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy.

Permanent or long term proxy vote

If you have special requirements, you may be able to apply for a proxy for the foreseeable future.

This may be because:

  • you have a long term illness or disability preventing you from voting in person
  • your job or educational course or that of your spouse takes you away from home for long periods
  • you are registered as an overseas voter
  • you work overseas for the British Council or as a crown servant
  • you are serving overseas in the Armed Forces

If you wish to apply for a permanent or long-term proxy vote please note that applications are currently suspended and from 31 October 2023 there will be a new application system, due to a change to electoral law.  

You will need to provide supporting evidence as detailed in the form.

Please either scan and email your completed proxy form to elections@arun.gov.uk

or return to:

Electoral Services
Arun District Council
Arun Civic Centre
Maltravers Road
Littlehampton
BN17 5LF

Alternatively you may wish to consider applying for a postal vote.

The deadline for proxy vote applications is 5pm, 6 working days before an election.

If you have missed this deadline you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy.

How to change or cancel a proxy vote

To change who acts as your proxy or to cancel a proxy vote, please email our electoral services team: elections@arun.gov.uk.