Different ways you can vote

In order to vote you will need to be on the electoral register. See: Register to vote.

There are three different ways you can vote:

• in person
• by post
• by proxy (someone voting on your behalf)

Most people vote in person at their local polling station. By law, voters in Swindon will need to show an approved form of photo ID to vote at a polling station. Find out more on Voter ID requirements.

If you are not able to go to the polling station in person on election day, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy.

For more information on voting please visit the voter page at the Electoral Commission website.

Postal voting

Anyone who is on the published Register of Electors or who has applied to be added as part of the monthly update process can apply for a postal vote. You can request a postal vote for a specific election, a set time period or for a maximum period of up to three years.

How to apply to vote by post

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online.

• Apply to vote by post at GOV.UK

You will need to provide your National Insurance number as part of an identity check and upload a photo of your wet ink (not digital) signature.

If you are unable to apply online, you can:

1. download the postal vote application form from GOV.UK
2. complete the form (the form must be signed in ink, digital signatures cannot be accepted)
3. return the form to us by scanning it or taking a good quality photo and emailing it to elecreg@swindon.gov.uk 

Alternatively, you can post it to us at:

Electoral Services
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

Postal vote signature refresh

Under new rules brought in by the Elections Act 2022, a postal vote arrangement cannot last longer than three years. Any application made for the maximum period will expire if a new application is not made by the third 31 January following the date the application was determined.

Over the next few months the elections team will be emailing electors where we hold an email address and whose postal arrangement is due to expire on 31 January 2026.

Electors are encouraged to reapply ahead of the 31 January deadline to ensure that their signature is up to date for any future elections. This will also help us save on costs as we won’t have to send out a renewal form.

You can reapply for your postal vote online now. 

Please note: The signature from your application is compared to the signature that you provide on the postal voting statement that you return with your postal ballot paper pack. This is to check and verify that it was you that completed the postal vote.

It is essential therefore that your application has an up to date signature to ensure your vote is counted.

Paper forms can be downloaded and further information can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

Proxy voting

A proxy vote is used when a person is unable to vote and wishes to nominate someone to do so to cast their vote on their behalf.

A proxy must normally vote at the elector’s usual polling station.  If the proxy cannot attend the polling station they can apply to vote by post (deadlines apply). You can vote yourself on polling day if necessary as long as you arrive at the polling station before your proxy.

If you would like a proxy vote please complete a proxy vote application form.

Alternatively, email elecreg@swindon.gov.uk or call the Electoral Services team on 01793 464601 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

Appointing your proxy

Someone can be your proxy as long as they are aged 18 or over, a registered elector, eligible to vote in the election and they are willing to vote on your behalf.  

A proxy can act for a maximum of four electors (of which only two can be domestic, uk based electors)

Emergency proxy vote

You can apply to vote by emergency proxy if you are taken ill, away for work reasons or have lost your voter ID, after the proxy deadline. The deadline for an emergency proxy is 5pm on polling day.

You can apply using the following downloadable forms:

• Emergency disability proxy vote application form
• Emergency employment proxy vote application form
• Emergency photo ID proxy vote application form

These applications can be made up to 5.00pm on polling day.