CHANGES to how Silhillians apply postal and proxy voting have been introduced.
Since October 31 registered voters can apply online to vote by post and for some types of proxy vote.
And they will also need to provide their National Insurance number or a suitable reason why it cannot be provided during the application process.
Proxy voters can continue to put in place proxy arrangements for a particular election. In some circumstances, they may request a permanent proxy vote.
If someone has had an existing permanent proxy vote in place before October 31, then they must make a new proxy vote application before January 2024. If this applies, the Council’s electoral services team will write to them separately.
There are also new limits to how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. This means they can only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK. If someone acts as a proxy for people living overseas, they can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.
Postal votes will now last for up to three years.
People must reapply after three years – the Council’s electoral services team will write to voters when the time comes to reapply.
Residents can also apply for a postal vote for a particular election or less than three years, if they wish.
Those who had an existing postal vote in place before October 31 will not be required to reapply until January 2026.
These changes apply to UK Parliament elections, including by-elections and recall petitions, local elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
To apply online for a postal vote click here.
To apply online for a proxy vote click here.
