Proxy voting rule change to enable people with Covid to vote in local elections

Proxy voting rules in May's local elections are to be overhauled to allow people suffering from coronavirus to nominate a friend to vote for them up to 5pm on polling day.

The Government is changing the law to slash the cut-off point for registering for a proxy vote to ensure that as many people as possible can vote.

The date to ask for a proxy vote to be cast by a friend will be cut from April 27 to 5pm on May 5, The Telegraph can disclose. It is hoped this will mean that people with coronavirus will be able to take part in the local elections and not feel they have to risk spreading the virus by going to polling stations.

The change applies to local elections in England and Wales, which were postponed last May because of the pandemic and is the clearest indication yet that the polls will go ahead.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: "People who have tested positive for Covid-19 should be self-isolating. We are putting in place new measures to enable anyone in this position to request an emergency proxy vote at the last minute, right up to 5pm on polling day itself.

"This will mean that voters who have Covid-19 or are experiencing symptoms can still have their say in these elections, without having to leave their residence. Anyone who would prefer to vote from home can also request a postal vote in advance."

A Cabinet Office source said: "We are changing the current law on proxy voting via secondary legislation, to allow those self-isolating as a result of a positive Covid-19 test, possible coronavirus exposure, awaiting a test or those who have symptoms, to apply for a proxy vote in the days leading up to polling day without having to find someone to attest their application.

"They will have the option to do this right up until 5pm on polling day, whereas previously the deadline to apply for a proxy vote was six working days before the poll."

Guidance for both polling station staff and voters will be published in good time ahead of the polls.

A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said: "We support the change as it will help prevent those who fall ill with Covid close to the election from being disenfranchised." The commission said it would be working with local police forces to ensure the move does not increase the risk of fraud.

At the 2019 general election 274,684 proxies were appointed – just 0.6 per cent of the electorate.

The Telegraph disclosed last month that voters will be asked to bring their own pens and pencils to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.