If you don’t think you can make it to the polling station on 7 May to cast your vote in the local elections, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
If you don’t think you can make it to the polling station on 7 May to cast your vote in the local elections, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out. If you can’t vote in person you can vote by post or by appointing someone you trust to vote in your place, which is known as a proxy vote.
Applying for a postal vote
You can apply for a postal vote for a single election on a specific date, for a specific period, or permanently. If you are not already registered for a postal vote, and you want one for the election on 7 May, you need to apply by 5pm on 21 April.
The City Council must collect signatures and dates of birth to check postal votes cast at election time to prevent and detect electoral fraud and to protect votes. You can apply for a Postal vote online on GOV.UK.
If you need a paper form you can download a postal vote application form from the Apply to vote by post page on the Electoral Commission website. Once complete, the form needs to be delivered to the Elections Office, Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1BX. Alternatively, you can scan the completed form and email it to the Election Office
Applying for a proxy vote
An alternative to a postal vote is a proxy vote, where you can appoint someone to cast your vote for you at the polling station. You can apply for a Proxy vote online on GOV.UK. To apply for a proxy vote, you have to give a reason why you can't get to your polling station in person. This may be because you're going to be away or have a physical condition which means you can't get to your polling station.
If you need a form, you can download it from the Apply to vote by proxy page on the Electoral Commission website. You will then need to complete and sign the form and return it to the Elections Office, Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1BX. Alternatively, you can scan the completed form and email it to the Election Office. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for this election is 5pm on 28 April.
Comment
“No one should miss out on the opportunity to vote in this election simply because they’re unable to visit their polling station.
“Postal and proxy voting offer convenient alternatives for anyone who can’t, or prefers not to, vote in person.
“The application process is straightforward, and you can complete it online. However, please make sure to apply in good time and avoid leaving it until the last minute, particularly with Easter approaching when postal delays may occur.”
Caroline Green, Returning Officer, Oxford City Council
For more information on elections, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit the Electoral Commission website.
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