Apply for a Postal or Proxy Vote

It is possible to vote by post in an election. However to vote by post you will have to be registered at your current address. If you apply to vote by post you will receive a postal pack (ballot paper, postal voting statement and return envelopes) at the address you have requested.

When you receive your postal pack, it should contain:

• Envelope A / Postal Voting Statement
• Ballot paper
• Return envelope (Envelope B)
• Guide to completing your postal vote

The ballot paper and the postal voting statement will both be numbered and these numbers should match.

If you have a postal vote you will not be able to vote in person at a polling station. However it is possible to hand your complete postal pack into a polling station within the Fife Council area if you are unable to post it in time.

If your circumstances change, for example if you move house or change your name, your previous postal vote will no longer be valid. You will need to re-apply for a postal vote at your new address – this can be done at the same time as you register.

Please note that at elections, postal votes cannot be issued immediately. Due to production deadlines there will be a delay in issuing postal packs. Additionally the mail service to and from overseas countries cannot always be guaranteed and you should seek advice at the time as to whether or not it is practical for a postal vote to be sent and returned before election day or whether you would be better arranging a proxy vote for the election.

If you can’t vote in person, you can apply to vote by proxy. However to vote by proxy you, and the person you ask to vote on your behalf, will have to be registered before a proxy application can be approved. Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in the election and are willing to vote on your behalf.

You have to provide a reason for needing a proxy vote.

For example:

• you are going away on holiday
• you have a physical condition that prevents you from getting to the polling place
• the kind of work you do means you can’t get to the polling station
• you have to attend an educational course
• you are a Crown Servant or a member of Her Majesty’s Armed force.

To apply for a proxy vote please complete the correct form which you’ll find here. Return it to the Electoral Registration Team.

Contact details are on this page.

Even if you have a proxy vote, you will be able to vote in person if you arrive to vote before your proxy.

If your circumstances change, for example if you move house or change your name, your previous proxy vote will no longer be valid. You will need to re-apply for a proxy vote at your new address – this can be done at the same time as you register.