Apply for a postal vote or proxy vote
Postal and proxy vote applications
From 31 October 2023, you will be able to apply online to vote by post or by proxy. This will apply to all elections and recall petitions held in the West Northamptonshire Council area.
As part of the new process, applications will require an identity check as part of the application process. You will be asked to provide your Name, signature, National Insurance Number, and the address that you are registered to.
Postal voting
If you know that you won’t be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can vote by post. You can apply for postal vote because you’re away on holiday or because your work schedule means you can't get to polling station.
You can also choose to vote by post simply because it would be more convenient for you. You will be a sent a postal vote ballot pack before the election. When applying to vote by post, your completed application must be received by 5pm, 11 working days before the election you will be voting in.
Postal vote arrangements will be limited to a maximum of three years, following which the elector will be required to make a new application. Apply online from 31 October 2023.
Proxy voting – for a particular election
If you know that you will not be able to attend the polling station on election day, you can ask a trusted person to vote on your behalf as your proxy. When applying to vote by proxy, your fully completed application must be received by 5pm, six working days before the election you will be voting in.
The new regulations will put limits on the number of electors for whom a person may act as proxy. The number of electors a person can act as proxy for will be reduced to 4, of which no more than 2 can be domestic electors. Apply online from the 31 October 2023.
Proxy voting – Permanent or long-term proxy
If you are unable to attend the polling station for the foreseeable future or for a long period of time, you can put in place a proxy arrangement on a long-term basis. Examples would be that you are disabled, you are away for work or away on an educational course.
You cannot current apply online for this type of proxy vote. Please contact us and we will post out to you the correct application form based on your reason for applying.
Voting as Proxy by post
To set up a postal vote for your proxy, first you will need to apply to vote by proxy. Your proxy will then need to complete a postal proxy application form which you can download here:
Both the proxy and postal proxy application form must be received 11 working days prior to an election.
We do accept scanned copies of this form which can be emailed to [email protected].
Paper format applications
Paper versions of the application forms are available by contacting the Elections Office on 0300 126 7000 or by writing to:
Electoral Services
West Northamptonshire Council
St Giles Square
The Guildhall
Northampton
NN1 1DE
Alternatively, please email [email protected].
You can also send any completed applications to this address.
Cancelling your postal or proxy vote
If you wish to cancel your postal or proxy vote, we require a signed letter from you confirming that you wish to cancel your absent vote. This can be scanned in and sent to us via email at [email protected].
Alternatively if you contact us we can send you a cancellation form to complete.
What happens if your details aren’t verified
If the records do not match, we may ask you to provide documentary evidence before your application is approved. We just need copies of the documents not the originals and they can be sent to [email protected].
If you are unable to provide the requested documentary evidence, then we would need an attestation from another elector confirming your identity. If this is the case, let us know and we will send you the relevant form.
Are you registered to vote?
To vote by post or by proxy, you must first be registered to vote at your current address.
Find out more about registering to vote.
Last updated 02 August 2024