How to Use Proxy to Vote by Ballot

Voting is an important part of the democratic process.

Voting by proxy involves sending someone to the polls to vote via ballot on your behalf if you are unable to. Some reasons include a physical disability, preventative work or school hours. Proxy voting requires that someone who is also eligible for voting goes and fills out a physical ballot either by paper or electronically. To prevent mistakes, especially if you are voting for local government, give the proxy voter a list of the officials you want to elect.

Instructions

1. Check to ensure that you're eligible for proxy voting by ballot. You must have one of the following reasons: you have a physical disability or illness that keeps you from traveling to the polls, your holiday, work hours or school keep you from voting during the time the polls are open, or you are in the military or overseas.

2. Find a proxy who is voting-eligible and lives in your district. Give him or her a copy of your driver's license or other identification with your name on it, and also write the following on a piece of paper and sign and date it: "I, (insert your name), am authorizing (insert proxy name) to vote by proxy for me." Some areas may not require your written authorization, but in case they ask for it, it's best to have some kind of verification.

3. Write out your choices for whom to vote for and give it to the proxy. In most districts, the proxy voter will first fill out his or her own paper or electronic ballot and then fill out yours.

References

• Rock the Vote: election center