The Government's Election Act 2022 has introduced a number of changes to how you apply for a proxy vote and how you return a proxy vote.

How to apply for a proxy vote

You can now apply for a proxy vote* online. It's the quick and easy way to make sure you're ready to vote. 

If you cannot apply online, contact elections@rugby.gov.uk and we can help.

*Online applications do not apply to anonymous voters, proxy postal applications, postal waiver applications, proxy applications for definite or indefinite period due to disability, proxy applications for definite or indefinite period due to employment, service, etc, emergency proxy applications.

How to return a proxy vote

The new rules place a limit on the number of people you can act as proxy for. You can now only act as proxy for two people living in the UK or, if acting as a proxy for overseas voters, up to four people (but only two of those four can live in the UK).

Remember, a proxy must produce a valid form of photo ID when voting at a polling station.

Secrecy requirements now extended to postal voting

The new rules have extended the secrecy requirements at polling stations to postal votes.

The change means it has become an offence to try and find out how someone has voted when completing a postal vote, or to communicate how a postal voter has voted.

Anyone found guilty of breaching the secrecy requirements could face a fine or up to six months in prison.