Deadlines for Postal and Proxy Voting

Published on: 14 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 16 Apr, 2026

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Deadlines for those unable to vote in person at this year’s landmark Surrey elections are looming.

Local government is changing with the 11 boroughs and districts dissolving and reforming as two mega authorities, East and West Surrey.

The idea is to be a more cost-effective way of delivering services while eliminating confusion over who runs what.

Those who wish to cast their ballot by mail need to ensure they have submitted their application by 5pm on Tuesday, April 21, as any received after this deadline will not be accepted, election staff have said.

Those unable to attend a polling station in person on the day also have the option of using the proxy service. This allows voters to appoint someone they trust to vote on their behalf and is often used by those who will be away on polling day, have work or caring commitments, or can not attend due to illness or disability.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.

Applicants must be registered to vote.

Adesuwa Omoregie, deputy returning officer for the West Surrey Council elections, said: “If you are unable to vote in person, you may be eligible to vote by post or appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.

“It’s important to act now to avoid missing the opportunity to vote in the West Surrey Council elections on Thursday,  May 7.”

Residents living in Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking will elect a West Surrey Council.

While those in Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge will vote for an East Surrey Council.

Counting to decide which parties win control of the new councils begins on Friday, May 8.

To apply for a postal vote visit www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.

Those wishing to register for the proxy service should visit  www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.

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