Changes have come into force (from 31 October 2023) which affect the way people can apply for a postal or proxy vote.
Registered electors can now apply online to vote by post and for some types of proxy vote. They will also need to prove their identity when applying, by providing their National Insurance number or a suitable reason why it cannot be provided.
Proxy voters can continue to put in place proxy arrangements for a particular election. In some circumstances, they may request a permanent proxy vote. Please see the Council website for full details.
If someone has had an existing permanent proxy vote in place before 31 October 2023, then they must make a new proxy vote application before January 2024. If this applies, the Council’s electoral services team will write to them separately.
There are also new limits to how many people a voter can act as a proxy for. This means they can only act as a proxy for two people living in the UK. If someone acts as a proxy for people living overseas, they can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.
Postal votes will now last for up to three years. People must reapply after three years - the Council’s electoral services team will write to voters when the time comes to reapply. Residents can also apply for a postal vote for a particular election or less than three years, if they wish. Those who had an existing postal vote in place before 31 October 2023 will not be required to reapply until January 2026.
These changes apply to UK Parliament elections, including by-elections and recall petitions, local elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
Apply online for a postal vote here: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
Apply online for a proxy vote here: www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote
For more information visit the Council website: www.solihull.gov.uk/elections