This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is often referred to as your proxy. If your trusted person can’t get to the polling station, they can apply to vote on your behalf by post. This is called a postal proxy vote.

Download proxy vote application forms on the electoral commission websiteexternal link

Once you have completed this form you will need to print and return it to us at the following address:

Electoral Services,
Flintshire County Council,
County Hall,
Mold
CH7 6NR

If you don't have access to a printer, then you can email register@flintshire.gov.uk to request that we post an application form to you.

You can complete and return this form at any time, but the deadline for the receipt of your application form is 5pm, 6 working days before the day of poll. In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you cannot go to the polling station in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy up to 5pm on the day of the poll.

If you choose to vote by proxy, then the person who you have trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their own photo ID.  If they do not have photo ID, they will not be given the ballot paper.

If your proxy is going to be away from home on polling day, they can apply for their proxy ballot paper to be posted to them. The deadline to apply for a postal proxy vote is 5pm, 11 working days before the day of poll.

Find out how to vote by proxyexternal link

Elections Act 2022 – Changes you will see to proxy voting

You have the option to apply for a proxy vote for Parliamentary and Police and Crime Commissioner elections ONLY via a new central government online system https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

Electors applying for a proxy vote for these two election types will require their identity to be verified with DWP records when applying online but also when applying via a paper application.

For Parliamentary and Police and Crime Commissioner elections there will be changes to the limit of how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. Currently a person can act as a proxy for an unlimited number of close relatives and two other electors. Under the new rules for these election types, voters would be limited to acting as proxy for four people of whom only two can be domestic electors who live in the UK regardless of their relationship. (or a maximum of 4 people, with 2 people living in the UK and 2 people registered as living overseas).

For Senedd and Local Government elections there is no change to current rules i.e., you can be proxy for no more than two electors except where they are spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the elector.

When will this change come into force?

These changes began on 31 from October 2023.

For electors that have an appointed proxy in place prior to 31 October 2023:

All existing electors (both domestic and overseas) that have a proxy arrangement in place prior to 31 October 2023 will need to reapply by 31 January 2024. The elections team will be in touch with you and give you ample notice and support to update your arrangements.

For further information about changes to proxy voting