Council and democracy

If you cannot reasonably be expected to vote in person at your local polling station, there is an alternative to voting by post. You can appoint a proxy - someone to vote on your behalf. 

The law is stricter for the appointment of a proxy than for the arrangement of a postal vote. You must specify a reason for requiring a proxy vote. Applications can be made for a single election or for an indefinite period. 

Long term applications usually have to be supported by a doctor, employer or course tutor, depending on the reason why you are applying.  

• If you have a permanent physical incapacity, are registered blind or receive the higher rate of immobility component of the disability living allowance, you are eligible for a permanent postal or proxy vote. The form requires the declaration that the information is correct from a doctor, nurse or warden of a home.
• If your work frequently takes you overseas.
• If you will be on holiday when the election is taking place.
• If you have moved house since you registered and are unable to go to your old polling station.
• If you are working during all hours of voting, e.g. as a member of the election staff.

Please note that completed proxy application forms must be received no later than 5pm, six working days before the election.

When you appoint a proxy, they have to attend your local polling station to cast your vote. This may not be convenient for them, therefore they can apply to vote on your behalf by post. Your proxy will need to complete an application by a proxy to vote by post. Please contact Electoral Services for this form. This must be received no later than 5pm, 11 working days before an election.

Following a change in the law (The Electoral Administration Act 2006) all electors who wish to vote by post or proxy are now required to provide personal identifiers (their date of birth and a specimen of their signature) when they apply. The change in the law has been introduced to make absent voting at all future elections more secure.

The personal identifiers will be stored securely. At every election when postal voters complete their postal vote they will also be required to complete and return a security statement on which they will have to again provide their date of birth and signature. They will be matched against those that already supplied to ensure that the postal vote remains secure.

Contact Details

Contact name

Electoral Services

Telephone

020 8726 6300

Fax

020 8407 1308

Email

electoral.services@croydon.gov.uk

Address

Electoral Services
The Town Hall
Katharine Street
Croydon
CR9 1DE

Office hours are 8.45am to 5.15pm.