Proxy vote

If you are unable to vote in person on polling day, you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf at the polling station.

It is possible for anyone to apply for a proxy vote at a particular election, as long as they provide a reason why they are not able to vote in person themselves on the day of the election. 

You can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, which includes:

• being away on polling day
• having a medical issue or disability
• not being able to vote in person because of work or military service
• living overseas.

Apply online for a proxy vote

If you are unable to complete an online application you can complete a paper application. 

Download the proxy vote application form  which applies to your circumstances from the government website.  Once you have completed your form email it to elections@chorley.gov.uk or return it to the address below. 

Electoral Services
Chorley Borough Council
Town Hall
Market Street
Chorley
PR7 1DP

Once received, the application will be processed on your behalf.

The deadline for applications to vote by proxy is by 5pm, 6 working days before polling day.

Who you should choose

The person appointed as proxy should be someone you trust. Anyone may be appointed to act as your proxy, providing they are over 18 and registered to vote. They must also be eligible to vote in the election or referendum you want them to vote at on your behalf.

From 31 October 2023 there has been a restriction on the number of people a person may be appointed as a proxy for.  A person may only be appointed to be a proxy for up to four voters, however only a maximum of two of these can be domestic electors (i.e. not people who are registered specifically as Overseas or Service Voters). This is regardless of the relationship the proxy has with the elector.

The appointed proxy has to attend your polling station, so make sure that the person you appoint is familiar with where you would normally vote.  If the only person you trust to vote for you is unable to get to your polling station, they can request an postal proxy.  For a postal proxy application email to elections@chorley.gov.uk.

Your chosen proxy must also be eligible to vote in the same type of election that they will be voting for you in, and can be proxy for no more than 2 voters based in the UK and 2 overseas voters.