Postal and proxy voting
If you're away or cannot go to your polling station on election day, you can do one of the following:
Apply to vote by post
You can apply for a postal vote by completing an online application form on the Government website.
Paper forms are also available on the Electoral Commission’s website. You can also request a paper form from our Electoral Services team - email er@dacorum.gov.uk or call 01442 228000 and ask for "Electoral Services". Please email completed application forms to er@dacorum.gov.uk or return by post to: Electoral Services, Dacorum Borough Council, The Forum, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1DN.
You will need to provide a National Insurance number on postal vote applications. If you are not able to provide it, alternative proof of identification may be accepted.
We no longer accept old postal vote applications (those without a National Insurance Number box).
In the lead-up to an election we must receive your completed application by 5pm on the 11th working day before the election.
Renewing a postal vote
Postal votes last for a maximum of three years. At the end of that period, you will need to reapply for your postal vote.
If you currently have a postal vote in place, you do not need to take any action now. We will write to you when it is time to renew.
Lost or spoilt ballot papers
If you did not receive your postal pack, have lost or spoilt your ballot paper or postal voting statement, please contact the Electoral Services office. The elector will need to come in person to the office to be issued with another. Two forms of identification will be required - photo ID (passport or driver’s licence) and proof of residence (for example, a utility bill).
Apply to vote by proxy (someone else voting on your behalf)
If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf.
You can only act as a proxy for a maximum of two people, regardless of their relationship. Anyone voting on behalf of UK voters who live overseas may be eligible to act as a proxy for up to four people.
If you appoint a proxy, you can vote if you wish, but only if your proxy has not already voted on your behalf and has not got a postal vote for you.
You can apply online on the Government website. You can also request a paper form from our Electoral Services team - email er@dacorum.gov.uk or call 01442 228000 and ask for "Electoral Services".
You need to provide a National Insurance number on proxy vote applications. If you are not able to provide it, alternative proof of identification may be accepted.
We no longer accept old proxy vote applications (those without a National Insurance Number box).
Emergency proxy vote
You can apply to vote by emergency proxy if (after 5pm, six working days before an election) you have a personal medical emergency or learn you cannot go to the polling station because of work emergency.
For an application due to being physically incapacitated, the form must be supported by a registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse. If you are in a residential home or sheltered housing, the matron, home care director or warden may support your application.
For an application due to occupation, service or employment emergency, the attestation must be made by the employer (or delegate) or for self-employed people, by an adult who knows them but is not related to the elector.
More information on changes to postal and proxy voting
Changes to postal and proxy voting are part of the Elections Act. For more information, visit the Electoral Commission website.
