Postal and Proxy Voting

Please note: To vote by post, you must be registered to vote.

New legislation makes it easier for you to vote either by post or by appointing a proxy to vote on your behalf.

Changes to Postal and Proxy Vote Applications

A new application process for Postal and Proxy Vote Applications is being introduced by the Government from Tuesday 31 October 2023. We must receive completed current-style Postal or Proxy Vote Applications by no later than Monday 30 October 2023, otherwise you will be required to complete the new application process.

Postal voting

You can choose to vote by post if you cannot or do not wish to vote at a polling station.

Applications can be made indefinitely, for a specified period or for a particular election, but only for the address you currently live at.

You can download a postal vote application form from the Government website or contact our Customer Services Team to have a paper application form sent out to you.

Completed forms can be scanned and emailed to elections@rushcliffe.gov.uk. Photographs of completed forms can also be emailed to us providing the whole of the application is clear and visible. Alternatively, completed forms can be returned to:

Electoral Services,
Rushcliffe Borough Council,
Rushcliffe Arena,
Rugby Road,
West Bridgford,
Nottingham
NG2 7YG.

A postal vote can be sent to your home address or any other address you specify. But remember that if you want a postal vote sending overseas then you need to consider whether there would be time to receive the ballot paper and return it before the close of poll.

Postal votes are usually sent out about a week before the day of the election.

Postal votes must be received by the Returning Officer by the close of poll on election day.

If you already have a postal vote then you do not need to reapply unless you have changed your address since your last application. If you are unsure about anything then please contact us.

Watch a video on how to complete your postal vote.

Proxy voting

You can appoint someone to vote on your behalf at your usual polling station.

You have to provide a reason to vote by proxy for a single election. You can only vote by proxy on an indefinite basis for the following reasons: physical incapacity, overseas voter, studying at university and certain occupations such as Armed Forces.

You need to tell your proxy which candidate(s) you wish to vote for.

If you change your mind and wish to vote in person, you can still do so, providing that your proxy has not already voted on your behalf. If your proxy cannot get to your polling station, they can apply to vote by post. However, you will then not be able to vote in person.

You can apply online for a proxy vote or contact us.

Completed forms should be returned to:

Electoral Services,
Rushcliffe Borough Council,
Rushcliffe Arena,
Rugby Road,
West Bridgford,
Nottingham,
NG2 7YG.

Do it online

Documents to download

Useful links

Elections