Applying for Proxy Voting in Wales Due to Employment

Understanding the Application to Vote by Proxy in Wales Due to Employment

The Application to vote by proxy in Wales due to employment is an official form issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. It enables eligible voters who are unable to vote in person during an election because of their employment commitments—either for themselves or their spouse or civil partner—to appoint a trusted individual to cast their vote on their behalf. This process ensures that even when work commitments prevent physical presence at polling stations, voters can still participate in democratic processes.

Purpose and Eligibility of the Proxy Voting Application

This form is specifically designed for residents in Wales who, due to their employment or their spouse or civil partner’s employment, cannot attend the polling station on election day. It is applicable for various elections, including the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), local councils, UK Parliament, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Both the applicant and the proxy must be registered and eligible voters. The rules for who can act as a proxy differ depending on the type of election:

• For Senedd and local council elections: A proxy can vote for close relatives (spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child, or grandchild) and up to two other individuals.
• For UK Parliament and Police and Crime Commissioner elections: A proxy can vote for up to four individuals, with no more than two being domestic electors (excluding overseas and service voters).

How to Complete and Submit the Proxy Voting Application

Applying involves several key steps:

1. Identify a suitable proxy: Choose someone willing and capable of voting on your behalf.
2. Fill out the form: Complete all sections, including personal details, employment or self-employment information, and the reason for applying for proxy voting. You must also provide your date of birth and signature to prevent fraud.
3. Support your application: Your proxy or an authorised person at your workplace (if employed) or a person who knows you (if self-employed) must support your application by completing the relevant section.
4. Return the form: Send the completed application to your local electoral registration office. The address can be found at electoralcommission.org.uk/voter.

It is important to note the deadlines:

• New proxy applications: Must be received by 5pm, six working days before the election.
• Changes or cancellations to existing proxy votes: Must be submitted by 5pm, eleven working days before the poll.

Processing and Follow-Up After Submission

Once your application is received, your local electoral registration office will review and confirm whether it has been accepted or rejected. If approved, your proxy will receive a proxy poll card indicating where and when to vote on your behalf.

It is essential to communicate your voting instructions clearly to your proxy, including preferences for candidates or parties. The proxy must attend the polling station to vote on your behalf unless they opt for a postal vote, which must be requested separately and within the specified deadlines.

Privacy and Data Protection

The application process involves the collection of personal data, including your name, address, date of birth, and employment details. The Electoral Registration Officer acts as the Data Controller, processing this information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. The purpose of data collection is to facilitate the proxy voting process and ensure electoral integrity.

Applicants are advised to review the privacy notice provided by their local electoral registration office for further details on how their data is handled and protected.

Additional Information and Support

If you are unable to sign the form due to a disability or other reason, contact your local electoral registration office for assistance. For more information on proxy voting, including eligibility and application procedures, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/proxyvote or your local electoral registration office.

Remember, registering to vote and applying for proxy votes are crucial steps to ensure your democratic rights are preserved, especially when work commitments interfere with voting in person.