Absent Voting (Postal / Proxy)
Arranging a Postal Vote
Voting by post is an easy way of voting if you cannot get to your Polling Station. This could be because you are working away, on holiday, in poor health, or simply because it is more convenient for you. Anyone can apply for a postal vote, but you must complete an application form.
You can choose to vote by post for an individual election, for a fixed period of time, or indefinitely for all elections. Download a Postal Vote application
If you are unable to sign your postal vote form you may apply for a waiver to exempt you from giving a signature. Download a Waiver form. The Waiver form must be signed by a witness and both the Waiver form and the Postal Vote application form returned to the Elections Office.
The deadline for new Postal Vote applications or to change or cancel an existing Postal Vote is by 5pm 11 working days before Polling Day to the Elections Office.
Postal Vote are sent out approximately one week before Polling Day.
Arranging a Proxy for Medical Emergencies
If you fall ill after 5pm on the closing date to apply for a Proxy and are not able to go to the Polling Station on polling day you can apply for an Emergency Proxy. These proxy applications will need to be signed by your medical attendant and must be returned to the Elections Office by 5pm on Polling Day. Download a Medical Proxy application.
Arranging a Proxy
If you cannot get to a Polling station and do not want to vote by post you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf. Unlike a postal vote you must have a reason for applying for a proxy vote, such as working away, studying at University, being infirm etc. You also need to nominate your proxy on the form.
You can vote by proxy at one election only by just giving a reason, but if it is an application for an indefinite proxy you must get someone to attest your form such as an employer or lecturer. Download a Proxy application
The deadline to change or cancel an existing Proxy application is by 5pm 11 working days before Polling Day to the Elections Office.
The deadline for new Proxy applications (except for medical emergencies) is by 5pm 6 working days before Polling Day to the Elections Office.
Arranging a Postal Proxy
If you have appointed someone to vote on your behalf to vote at the polling station and they live outside the area or cannot get to the polling station, the person who has been appointed as the proxy voter can apply to receive a ballot paper via postal. Download a Postal Proxy application
Return applications to :
You should return the form to the following address
Electoral Services
Herefordshire Council
Town Hall
St Owen Street
Hereford
HR1 2PJ
Contact Details for the Electoral Services Office
You can also telephone or e-mail the Electoral Services Office to request a form, or call in at an Market Town Info Shop.
Telephone Helpline:
01432 260107 (External Use Only)
01432 260191 (External Use Only)