Apply to vote by post or by proxy

From the 31 October 2023, it depends on what kind of election you are entitled to vote in and what kind of election you want a postal vote for.

Generally, if you are a UK or Commonwealth citizen, 18 or over and you are on the Electoral Register you are entitled to vote at both UK Parliament and Scottish elections. You need to apply for a postal vote separately for each type of election.

If you only wish a postal vote for a UK Parliament election, go to www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote and complete the online form.

If you only wish to vote in a Scottish election, please complete this form and return it to the Electoral Registration Officer

Link to form is Application to vote by post in Scottish Parliament and council elections (electoralcommission.org.uk)

If you wish a postal vote for both election types go to www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote and complete the online form for UK Parliament elections but you will also need complete this form for Scottish Elections and return to the Electoral Registration Office. Alternatively, you can complete this form for both types of elections and return it the Electoral Registration Office.

If you are not a UK or Commonwealth citizen or are aged 16/17 and are on the Electoral Register, then it is likely that you will only be eligible to vote in Scottish Elections and you should complete this form and return it to you Electoral Registration Office.

If you are unable to apply online or to download a form, please contact the Electoral Registration Office for the relevant application form.

From 31 October 2023, it depends on what kind of election you are entitled to vote in and what kind of election you want a proxy vote for.

You can apply for a proxy vote for an indefinite period, a definite period or for a particular election. If you only wish a proxy vote at a particular election, then you are required to give a reason why you want to appoint someone else to vote on your behalf.

If you are applying for a postal or proxy vote for UK Parliament elections, your application will be subject to an identity check. You will be required to submit your full name, signature, date of birth and National Insurance Number for checking.

Applications to vote by post or by proxy for Scottish elections are not subject to an identity check.

If you already had a postal vote for UK Parliament elections before 31 October 2023, you will not need to reapply for a postal vote until January 2026. The Electoral Registration Officer will contact you before your postal vote for the UK Parliament election is due to expire with information on how to make a fresh application if you wish to continue to vote by post.

If you have a postal vote for Scottish Parliament and Scottish Local Government elections, you do not need to reapply for a postal vote, but you will be asked to refresh your signature every five years.

If you already had a proxy vote for UK Parliament elections before 31 October 2023, you will be asked to reapply before 31 January 2024.  The Electoral Registration Office will contact you before this date with information on how to make a fresh application if you wish to continue to vote by proxy.

If you have a proxy vote for Scottish Parliament and Scottish Local Government elections, you do not need to reapply for a proxy vote, but you will be asked to refresh your signature every five years.