Translate this site
Contact the Council
Telephone: 01353-665555
Email: 
Online: What happens if I am unable to vote in person at an election?
You can apply to vote by post or get someone (a proxy) to vote for you on the day of election.
New arrangements allow you to apply for a postal vote or for a proxy vote at any elections. You do not need a reason to apply for a postal vote, but to apply for a proxy you must have a particular reason, for example if you are ill or away from home during the election.
Applying for a postal vote
Unfortunately the deadline for applying for a postal vote for the elections scheduled for 5 May 2011 has passed.
You need to fill in a postal application form, which can be downloaded form the list at the bottom of this page. If you do not wish to download the form, you can obtain a copy of the form by telephoning 01353 665555 or alternatively you can email your name and address to elections@eastcambs.gov.uk and we will arrange for a form to be sent to you. Due to changes in legislation it is not possible to offer the facility to complete an application for a postal vote online.
Please note that the application for a postal vote is for an individual and not for the whole household. Everyone approaching 18 or over has to apply for their own vote.
Once you have completed the form, post it back to us and we can amend your details on our Electoral Register.
You will receive confirmation of your postal vote.
District and Parish Council Elections - Thursday 5th May 2011
If you are an existing postal voter you can expect to receive your postal vote from the 18 April, if you are submitting a new application for postal voting you may not receive your postal vote until after the 26 April.
Voting from abroad
If you live abroad and are on the electoral register you can still have ballot papers sent to you. You need to fill them in and return them as quickly as you can.
Bear in mind that there may be some delays getting the papers to you, e.g. due to postal times, which we cannot be held responsible for, and this may mean that your vote will not be received in time to be counted.
If you think that this may be the case, it might be worth applying for a proxy to vote on your behalf.
How long does a postal vote last?
When applying for a postal vote the forms asks you how long you want the postal vote for.
You can ask for a postal vote to cover just one day or for a set period.
The postal vote will last for as long as you want and will cover all the elections within that time. You can even make your postal vote permanent if you wish.
Receiving and using your postal vote
You will receive your postal vote papers approximately 10 days before the date of the election. You need to complete this and send it back as soon as possible.
If you still have not received the papers four days before the election please contact Electoral Services who may be able to sort out a replacement.
You will not get confirmation from the Council that your postal vote has arrived, but if you leave it too late to post, you can get someone to hand it in at a polling station in your constituency on election day.
Postal votes are treated confidentially and are mixed with all the others before counting begins. Postal votes arriving after the close of polling are not valid and will not be counted.
Applying for a proxy vote when a postal vote has already been obtained
You can get details about voting by proxy from Electoral Services.
You can also cancel a postal vote and choose someone to vote for you (a proxy) up to eleven days before Election Day. However, you cannot have a proxy vote on demand. You need a valid reason to apply, for example if you are ill or away from home.
Applying for a proxy vote
The deadline for Electoral Services to receive proxy vote applications, for the elections due 5 May, is 5pm on 21 April.
You need to fill in a proxy application form, which can be downloaded from the list at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, a form can be obtained by telephoning 01353 665555 or by emailing your details to elections@eastcambs.gov.uk and we will arrange for a form to be sent to you.
Post the completed form back to us and we can amend your details on our Electoral Register.
Eligibility to be a proxy
Your proxy must be:
- over 18
- entitled to vote at the election
- and not voting for more than two people (other than close family)
You must consult with the person you are appointing as your proxy before nominating them to make sure they are willing and able to be your proxy.
How long does a proxy vote last?
When applying for a proxy vote the form asks you how long you want the proxy vote for.
You can ask for a proxy vote to cover just one day or long term.
The long term proxy vote will cover all elections until you notify Electoral Services differently.
Emergency proxy vote
If you need to apply for an emergency proxy vote please download and use the form available via this link: https://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/PDFDownload.aspx?mode=view&form=blank
Tags: 
