If you're unable to attend your polling station on election day, you may wish to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Applying for a postal vote

A postal vote is when you complete and return a postal voting pack sent to you before election day, which contains your ballot paper(s) and postal vote statement.

You can apply to vote by post for:

  • a particular election or referendum only (a poll held on a specific date)
  • a specific time period of up to 3 years (between two particular dates)
  • a maximum period of up to 3 years (up until the third 31 January from the date you apply)

You can apply for a postal vote online by clicking the button below.

Apply to vote by post

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form (at the bottom of this page) and return this by email to or by post to Electoral Services, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, Brocks Hill Council Offices, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ.

Your application must also include your date of birth and a specimen of your signature. These are used to verify your postal vote statement when you return it. Your signature must be authentic and capable of being reproduced by hand (i.e. it cannot be computer generated). If you have difficulty providing a signature, for example due to a disability or illiteracy, you may be able to apply for a waiver.

Your application must include your National Insurance number (NINO). This is used so that we can verify your identity. If you do not have or cannot provide a NINO, you will be asked to provide a form of documentary evidence, such as your passport or driving licence, or an attestation.

Applying for a proxy vote

A proxy vote is when you appoint another registered elector to attend and vote on your behalf at the polling station on election day.

You can apply to vote by proxy for:

  • a particular election or referendum only (a poll held on a specific date)
  • a definite or indefinite period (for overseas or service personnel electors)
  • a definite or indefinite period (due to employment, education, disability or service)

You can apply for most proxy votes online by clicking the button below.

Apply to vote by proxy

You cannot apply online to vote by proxy on the grounds of employment, education, disability or service as you will need to provide separate supporting evidence. If you wish to apply on any of these grounds, complete and return the relevant paper application form. Please see below for further details.

Alternatively, you can complete the relevant paper application form (at the bottom of this page) and return this by email to or by post to Electoral Services, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, Brocks Hill Council Offices, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ.

Your application must also include your proxy's name and address, your date of birth, your own authentic signature and a supporting declaration and/or suitable evidence. It is also recommended that you include your proxy’s contact information should we need to contact them.

Your application must include your National Insurance number (NINO). This is used so that we can verify your identity. If you do not have or cannot provide a NINO, you will be asked to provide a form of documentary evidence, such as your passport or driving licence, or an attestation.

Last updated: Tuesday, 31 October 2023 10:03 am