How to vote

If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

Your proxy should:

• be someone you trust to vote on your behalf
• know which candidate (or referendum outcome) you want to vote for
• be be registered and eligible to vote

There are different processes to apply for a proxy vote for:

• Scottish Parliamentary and local council elections
• UK Parliamentary elections

Apply for a proxy vote – Scottish Parliamentary and local council elections

To apply to vote by proxy in a Scottish Parliamentary or local council election, you need to download an application form from the Electoral Commission website. 

You do not need to include your National Insurance number on the form.

Apply for a proxy vote – Electoral Commission 

Return your form to:

Electoral Registration Officer
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Militia House
English Street
Dumfries
DG1 2HR

For urgent applications, you can email a scanned copy of the application form to:

Email: [email protected] 

We cannot accept photographs of application forms.

Apply for a proxy vote – UK Parliamentary elections

You can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including:

• being away on polling day
• being registered as an overseas voter
• having a medical issue or disability
• not being able to vote in person because of work or military service

Apply for a proxy vote – GOV.UK

You must include your National Insurance Number.

Apply by post

You can also apply for a proxy vote by downloading an application form from the Electoral Commission website.

Apply for a  proxy vote by post – Electoral Commission 

Return your form to:

Electoral Registration Officer
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Militia House
English Street
Dumfries
DG1 2HR

Reasons for choosing a proxy vote

When you apply for a proxy vote you must provide a reason. You can choose to vote by proxy if you:

• are on holiday or working abroad when the election takes place
• have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station
• are working during all hours of voting
• are studying away from home
• have moved house since registering and cannot go to your old polling station
• are a British citizen living overseas
• are a crown servant or a member of His Majesty's Armed Forces

Your proxy voter and what they're able to do

The person you wish to appoint as your proxy can only act as proxy if they are registered and eligible to vote. A proxy in a Scottish Parliamentary or local council election can vote for:

• close relatives – includes their spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild
• up to 2 other people

They will be sent a poll card and will need to attend the polling station on election day, unless they have chosen to vote for you by post.