Changes to postal and proxy vote applications
From Tuesday 31 October 2023, changes will be made to the way you can apply for postal and proxy votes.
Postal voting
Changes include:
- You can apply online to vote by post
- You now to prove your identity as part of the application process. Both online and paper applications require ID verification.
- You can hold a postal vote for a maximum period of three years. You need to reapply at the end of that time.
Paper forms will still be available from the Electoral Commission's webite or by contacting Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's Electoral Services team via email at elections@welhat.gov.uk.
Postal votes will last for a maximum of three years with voters required to re-apply for their postal vote at the end of this period. If you currently have a postal vote in place, you do not need to take any action now.
The changes apply to:
- UK Parliamentary elections, including by-elections and recall petitions
- Local elections in England
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.
Proxy voting
Changes include:
- You can now apply online for some types of proxy vote
- Your identity will be checked as part of the application process. Both online and paper application will require ID verification (except for emergency proxy votes).
- There is now a limit to the amount of people someone can be a proxy for. You can act as a proxy for two people. If you vote on behalf of UK voters who live overseas, you can act as a proxy for up to four people (but only two of those can live in the UK).
Changes apply to:
- UK Parliamentary elections, including by-elections and recall petitions
local elections in England - Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and WalesThe limit to how many people a voter can act as a proxy for will also apply to local and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland.
For more information about voting, visit the Electorial Commission website.