Transitional arrangements for proxy vote applications
The Representation of the People (Postal and Proxy Voting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 introduced the requirement for proxy vote applications made for UK Parliamentary elections to undergo ID verification as well as enabling applications to be made online.
The Absent Voting (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2026 and The Absent Voting (Miscellaneous Amendment) Order 2026 commenced on 3 November and introduced similar provisions for proxy vote applications made for Scottish Parliament and local council elections in Scotland.
New applications received after commencement
All proxy vote applications received after commencement must satisfy the requirements to include information for the verification of personal identifiers.1
Where an application does not contain the required information, you should, where possible, make enquiries to obtain the missing information. If the missing information is not submitted, the application cannot be accepted. You should write to the elector, explain why the application has not been accepted and how to make a fresh application.
1. Regulation 51(2)(a) and (aa), Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (as amended) ↩ Back to content at footnote 1