Voting by post or proxy

 

Voting by post

If you are unable to go to your polling station on election day, you can apply online for a postal vote.

APPLY FOR A POSTAL VOTE 

For further information contact: elections@southderbyshire.gov.uk or speak to a member of the Electoral Services team on: 01283 595875 / 595728 / 595723

 

Changes to Postal Voting Rules:

The maximum length of time a voter can hold a postal vote changed following the Elections Act 2022, from indefinitely to a maximum of three years. Postal voters can still register to vote by post for a particular poll or for a shorter period, but they can no longer hold a postal vote indefinitely. The expiry date is now the third 31st January after the postal vote was approved.

This means that the postal vote for any elector that was approved before the 30 January 2024, will expire on the 31 January 2026. The Elections Team will be contacting any affected electors to advise them on how to reapply.

If you need to reapply, you can do so

  • online using the ‘APPLY FOR A POSTAL VOTE’ button, above. It's straightforward to do and just takes a few minutes. You’ll need to know your National Insurance number and be able to take a photograph of your signature
  • If you are not able to apply online, you can print a paper form here, or contact the Electoral Services Office to request a form.

If you are asked to reapply but don’t do so by the 31 January 2026, your postal vote will be cancelled. You will remain on the Electoral Register but will have to vote in person at your Polling Station for future elections.

If you’d like a postal vote later, you can make an application at that time.

 

Voting by proxy

A proxy vote is when you appoint another registered elector to attend and vote on your behalf at the polling station on election day.

The latest you can apply for a proxy vote is six working days before an election. In cases where there is an unforeseen illness after the six-day deadline, applications can be made up to 5pm on election day.

You can apply to vote by proxy for:

  • a particular election only (a poll held on a specific date)
  • a definite or indefinite period (for overseas or service personnel electors)
  • a definite or indefinite period (due to disability, employment or service)

You can apply to vote by proxy online by clicking the button below:

APPLY FOR A PROXY VOTE 

For further information contact: elections@southderbyshire.gov.uk or speak to a member of the Electoral Services team on: 01283 595875 / 595728 / 595723