Postal and Proxy Votes: How to Vote When Getting to the Polling Station Is Hard

Poor health, bad weather, caring duties or being away from home should not stop you voting. This course explains the two alternatives to going to the polling station – voting by post and voting by proxy (asking someone you trust to vote for you) – including how to apply, the deadlines, what to do in an emergency, and the differences in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Tutwoo is an independent learning provider. This course gives general information based on GOV.UK guidance checked in November 2026. Election rules can change and differ between types of election, so check with your council’s electoral registration office or GOV.UK before each election.

© 2026 Tutwoo UK Limited. This course was created in-house by Tutwoo and is our original work. It is for your own learning only: please do not copy, share, record or resell it.