Voters unable to attend a polling station in person have until 5pm on Wednesday to apply for a proxy vote for Thursday’s General Election.

With only days to go before the Isle of Man goes to the polls, questions have been raised online about who can use a proxy vote and why some applications may be refused.

A proxy vote allows someone trusted by an elector to vote at a polling station on their behalf.

However, it is not available simply because a voter would prefer someone else to vote for them.

Under the rules for the 2026 House of Keys General Election, an elector can apply for a proxy if they are entitled to vote but cannot vote in person, or in advance by post, because of a medical emergency or urgent business requiring overseas travel.

Applicants must explain on the form why they are unable to vote in person or by post.

The Electoral Registration Officer considers each application and can request further information before deciding whether a proxy can be appointed. The Government states explicitly that ‘proxy votes are not guaranteed’.

The rules are set out in electoral legislation, rather than being a discretionary decision by an individual civil servant.

The Electoral Commission has previously described the system as requiring an eligible elector who cannot vote in person or by post to provide an explanation for their application.

A person appointed as a proxy must be aged 16 or over, entitled to vote and willing and able to act on the elector’s behalf.

There are also limits on how many people one person can act as proxy for. Generally, a proxy cannot already be acting for more than two electors in the same constituency, unless those electors are close family members.

The completed application must be received by the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday, September 23.

The Government advises people to apply as soon as possible to allow time for an application to be considered and for any additional information to be requested.

If an application is approved, both the elector and their proxy will receive confirmation. The proxy must then vote at the polling station specified in their appointment letter.

An elector who subsequently becomes able to vote in person can do so only if their proxy has not already voted on their behalf.

The issue has prompted criticism online, including claims that the refusal of a proxy application could amount to ‘election manipulation’.

However, the published rules make clear that an application is subject to eligibility requirements and a decision by the electoral registration officer.

The Isle of Man’s Electoral Commission has previously reviewed proxy voting, including its use during the 2021 General Election. It recorded 213 applications for proxy votes that year, with 157 proxy votes ultimately cast.

Anyone seeking advice about proxy voting can contact the Crown and Elections Team on 01624 685754 or by emailing [email protected].