Voters do not always have to attend a polling station in person. Depending on the election and where they are registered, they may be able to vote by post or by proxy.
Postal voting
A postal voter receives a ballot pack and returns the completed ballot using the prescribed process. For UK parliamentary elections in Great Britain, postal-vote arrangements can last for a maximum of three years before a fresh application is required.
What is a proxy vote?
A proxy vote allows someone you trust to vote on your behalf. The proxy must themselves be eligible to vote in the election and able to attend the polling station allocated to you.
For UK parliamentary elections, a proxy voting at a polling station must show their own accepted photo ID, not yours.
Can you still vote yourself?
If you have appointed a proxy, you can normally still vote in person provided you do so before your proxy has voted on your behalf. Different rules apply where a postal proxy has already returned the vote.
Deadlines matter
Applications and changes are subject to statutory deadlines before polling day. Emergency proxy arrangements can also exist in certain circumstances. Because deadlines and requirements can change, voters should use the Electoral Commission’s current guidance for the election concerned.
Sources
Electoral Commission: postal voting ↗ · Electoral Commission: proxy voting ↗