How do I vote?

Voting by proxy

What is a proxy vote?

Voting by proxy is a convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station.  By proxy just means that you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf.  Their name will be held on a separate list at the polling station.  You can vote yourself on polling day if necessary so long as you arrive at the polling station before your proxy.

Voting by proxy can also be useful if you fall ill and are unable to get to the polling station on Election Day, or if you are abroad during an election.  It can be particularly useful if you are overseas in a country too far away to send back a postal vote in time for the election (for instance, if you are in the Armed Forces and deployed overseas).

Eligibility Requirements

Any registered elector can apply to vote by proxy.  However, there are different application requirements dependent upon the reason for the application, although you must give a reason for needing to vote by proxy in every case.  You can apply for a proxy vote if:

• You are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday;
• You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day;
• Your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day;
• Your attendance on an educational course means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day;
• You are a British citizen living overseas;
• You are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces; or
• You are unable to go to the polling station as you have fallen ill or become incapacitated in the period immediately before an election.

Arranging to vote by Proxy

You will need to complete an application form, which is available from the Electoral Services Office or by downloading a form by clicking here.

The form can be returned by post or by hand to the Electoral Services Office, 1 Gentleman's Row, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 6QQ or by scanning the application and attaching it to an email to elections@enfield.gov.uk.  You may also fax your application back to 020 8379 8588.

Deadline for registering to vote by Proxy

The general deadline for the receipt of proxy voting applications is 5:00pm on the sixth working day before the day of the election.  However, if you fall ill after this time, you may apply for a medical emergency proxy up until 5:00pm on polling day, although your application will need to be countersigned by a member of the medical profession.

Medical emergency proxy application forms can be downloaded by clicking here.

To cancel or amend a proxy vote, you have to inform us in writing by no later than 5:00pm on the sixth working day before the election.

Frequently Asked Questions