Proxy vote and postal vote renewal

We hold specimen signatures and dates of birth for everyone in West Berkshire who has an absent vote, also known as a postal or proxy vote. For proxy voters, we are required to obtain a fresh signature in January each year, where the existing signature is more than five years old. Postal voters will be required to re-apply every three years, on the third 31 January after their postal vote was granted. We will write to you when it is due.  When the time comes, you will be able to re-apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote and www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or obtain a paper application form.

Voting by post and by proxy

If you know that you won't be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can vote by post or ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you, which is called a proxy vote.

Changes to voting by post and proxy

You can now apply online to vote by post and for some types of proxy vote. You also need to prove your identity when applying, by providing your National Insurance number.

There are limits to how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. This means you can only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK. If you act as a proxy for people living overseas, you can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.

These changes apply to UK Parliament elections, including by-elections and recall petitions, local elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

For more information visit electoralcommission.org/waystovote or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.