22 Apr 2010
The Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is reminding registered voters in Great Britain that they still have time to apply to vote by proxy if they think they may not be able to vote in person on 6 May. The deadline for applications is 5pm, Tuesday 27 April.
“We want to make sure that everyone who wishes to vote is able to do so,” says Andrew Scallan, Director of Electoral Administration, from The Electoral Commission. “Some registered voters caught overseas by the disruption to air travel may decide there’s a risk they can’t get to the polling station on 6 May and while it’s too late to apply for a postal vote, they still have time to apply for a proxy vote.”
Voting by proxy means appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf. To apply, go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and print off the application form, sign it and send it back to your local electoral registration office by the 5pm 27 April deadline. You can also call our helpline on 0800 3 280 280 if you have any questions. Registration officers should accept faxed application forms or scanned copies by e-mail, as long as the details are clearly legible including a signature.
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Notes to editors
- The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. It regulates party and election finance, sets standards for well-run elections and encourages people to register to vote.
- To arrange an interview with Electoral Commission spokesperson - we have ISDN line available - please contact press @electoralcommission.org.uk or call 020 7271 0704.
- The Electoral Commission has a stock of photos available to illustrate election issues, images include a ballot box, a voter voting and a typical polling station. Please visit http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/news-and-media/media-resources/press-images or contact the Press Office. Please credit The Electoral Commission on any images used.
- IIn order to vote you must be on the electoral register in your constituency. The deadline to register to vote is 20 April (midnight) and to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm Tuesday 20 April.
- For more information on proxy voting visit http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/how_do_i_vote/voting_by_proxy.aspx
