To apply for a proxy vote you must be on the Register of Electors.  You can apply for a proxy for a particular election or an indefinite period.

When applying for a proxy vote for a particular election, you have to provide a reason, such as you are away on holiday or you are in hospital.

If you want a proxy vote for an indefinite period, you must satisfy one of the following reasons:

• you are away from home because of your job; or
• you have to travel by air or sea to get to your polling station.

For indefinite proxy applications, except if you are registered blind, someone, such as your employer or doctor, has to certify that the reason is valid on your application.

You need to complete a form for either a particular election, which cease to have effect after that election, or an indefinite period, which lasts until further notice or you cancel it.

Making an application for a proxy vote involves:

• downloading the appropriate form:
  • As a one-off for a particular election or referendum 
  • If you have a disability that means you are unable to attend the polling station in person 
  • If you are regularly away from home for reasons of employment
• printing it out;
• completing it; and
• returning it to the Electoral Registration Office, Craven District Council, 1 Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton, BD23 1FJ no later than 5 pm, 6 working days before polling day.

A proxy poll card will be sent to your proxy before the election with details of the polling station they need to attend.  If they cannot attend at the polling station, they must apply for a postal vote by no later than 11 working days before polling day.

Proxy voting by post

If a person who has been nominated a voter's proxy wishes to vote by post, they should complete and return the form 'Application to Vote by Postal Proxy'.