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". 

Return completed application forms by:

• Email: er@dacorum.gov.uk or
• Post: 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

By law, all postal voters must now renew their postal vote every three years. This autumn (2025) we will contact anyone who hasn’t renewed their postal vote since January 2024. If this applies to you, you’ll need to renew by 31 January 2026.

You don’t have to wait. You can renew online now.

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).

Returning your postal vote

By post

The easiest and most convenient way to return your postal vote is using the pre-paid envelope that came with your postal ballot. Please allow enough time for your postal vote to reach us. We must receive it no later than 10pm on polling day.

In person

If you choose to hand in your postal vote in person, either to a polling station or at The Forum, you will now need to complete a form. Our staff will help you with this.

You can only hand in your own postal vote, plus up to five others. You must sign for these. If you fail to do so, we may reject your vote.

If you are a campaigner, you can only hand in your own postal vote and those of close relatives or people for whom you provide regular care.

Do not leave your postal vote in any Council office post boxes, reception points or a polling station without completing a form. If you do, we will reject your vote.

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 can apply for a proxy vote up to six working days before an election.

You will need to provide a National Insurance number on your proxy vote application. 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

If you have a last-minute medical or work emergency (after 5pm, six working days before the election), you can still apply to vote by emergency proxy (someone voting on your behalf). You can make an application up to 5pm on polling day.

You can download the emergency proxy application form from the Government website.

Medical emergency

If you are physically unable to go to the polling station due to a medical emergency, your form must be supported by:

• A doctor or registered nurse, or
• If you live in a care home or sheltered housing, a matron, care home director, or warden.

Work emergency

If you can’t vote because of a sudden work-related issue, your application can be supported by:

• Your employer (or authorised person at that place of work), or
• If you're self-employed, an adult who knows you (but isn't a relative) can sign it.

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.

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