Proxy Votes
You can apply to vote by proxy instead of voting in person at a
polling station. A proxy vote is where someone appointed by you
votes on your behalf because you are unable to vote in person.
Usually they would go to your polling station but your proxy could
apply to vote for you by post. You may apply for a proxy vote for
one election or for a longer period, as long as your name is
included on the Register of Electors.
The person you appoint to vote for you cannot vote as proxy for
more than 2 voters unless he/she is your husband/wife, parent,
grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild.
One election only
You may apply for a proxy vote for one election
only. This would normally be because you are away from
home on holiday or business on polling day. When you apply, you
must give the reasons why you cannot be reasonably expected to vote
in person.
Permanent or fixed period
You may apply for a proxy vote on a permanent basis or for a
specified period but you must have one or more of the following
reasons for applying:
- you are blind or have some physical incapacity;
- you cannot vote in person due to your employment;
- your attendance at an educational establishment prevents you
from voting in person;
- you are an overseas or service voter;
- you cannot vote in person without making a journey by air or
sea
If you are applying for a proxy vote due to physical incapacity,
either (a) you must confirm on your application form that you are
registered blind or receive the higher rate of the mobility
component of the disability living allowance, or (b) your
application needs to be supported by a doctor, a registered nurse
or a Christian Science practitioner.
If you are applying for a proxy vote due to your occupation,
employment or education course, you application must be supported
by your employer or educational institution.
You can apply for a proxy vote at any time but it is important
not to leave it too close to an election. Any application received
after 5.00pm six working days (excluding Saturday, Sundays and Bank
Holidays) before an election will not be valid at that election,
except applications on grounds of medical emergency that occur
between the sixth day and polling day. Such applications must be
made by 5 pm on polling day.
Proxy vote application forms are available from Electoral
Services and can be downloaded
from the section below:
Telephone: 01228 817555 or 01228 817556
E-mail: elections@carlisle.gov.uk
Write to:
Electoral Registration Officer
Governance Directorate
Civic Centre
Carlisle
CA3 8QG