All your choices in the event you missed postal vote deadline for General Election 2024

In just over a week Brits will go to the polls where they will decide who will govern the country for the next few years but there will be many who have missed the postal vote deadline, luckily there is another option available to some people although time is running out.

When Rishi Sunak announced in the heavy rain that the nation would vote for a new government on July 4, it took many by surprise – not least among members of his own party. In the following weeks the Tory campaign has floundered as Labour’s continues to maintain its dominant lead.

While registration by post has now closed, there is another option available to those who still want to cast their ballot on July 4. If you are unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, this is known as a proxy vote.

Below you can find out more about voting by proxy and whether you are eligible to do so.

Am I eligible to vote by proxy?

You can only apply to vote by proxy under specific circumstances, which include:

• being away on polling day
• being registered as an overseas voter
• having a medical issue or disability
• not being able to vote in person because of work or military service

Make sure your proxy vote is someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You must tell them which candidate you want to vote for.

When is the deadline to vote in the General Election?

While the deadline to register to vote in the July 4 General Election, you can still apply to vote by proxy. In order to do so, you must be registered to vote in the election.

You must apply for a proxy vote by 5pm today (June 26). If you want to apply by post for a proxy vote, you must get your proxy vote application to your local Electoral Registration Office by 5pm today.

I’m based in Northern Ireland, can I still vote by proxy?

Unfortunately, if you are based in Northern Ireland you can no longer apply for a proxy vote in the General Election.

But, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote if you cannot get to your polling station if you have the following reasons:

• have a medical condition that you were not aware of before 14 June 2024
• are working as a constable or for the Chief Electoral Officer to support the election

You must get your application to the Electoral Office by 5pm today.

How can I apply for a proxy vote?

If you want to apply for a proxy vote, then follow the links below.

• Apply online for a proxy vote here.
• Apply by post for a proxy vote in England, Wales or Scotland here.
• Apply by post for a proxy vote in Northern Ireland here.

Can I apply for an emergency proxy vote?

Yes, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote if any of the following reasons apply:

• you cannot vote in person because of a medical emergency or disability
• you cannot vote in person because of your employment
• the photo ID you were planning on using to vote has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
• you’ve not yet received a new or replacement photo ID you’ve ordered

How long does my proxy vote last for?

You can apply for a single election, or referendum, a specific period of time if you vote in England, Scotland or Wales or permanently.

Who can be my proxy?

Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are:

• are registered to vote
• are allowed to vote in the type of election taking place
• can vote in the polling station stated on your poll card

They may need to take their own photo ID with them to vote in some elections. If they cannot get to the polling station, they must contact the Electoral Registration Office to arrange to cast their proxy vote by post.