Changes to absent voting

9:00am - 17 November 2023
Illustration saying apply to vote by proxy

Do you usually vote by post or nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf as a proxy?

Absent voting can benefit people who would otherwise struggle to get to their local polling station on election day.

However, a number of changes to our electoral system have come in following the Elections Act 2022 which means an identity verification step is required when you apply.

You can now apply online for a postal vote but it is only valid for three years and you’ll need to reapply for a postal vote at the end of that time.

You can also now apply online for some types of proxy vote, but you can now only be a proxy for up to two people in the UK, regardless of your relationship.

The changes apply to:

  • UK Parliament elections, including by-elections and recall petitions
  • local elections in England
  • Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.