Or the application for a proxy vote were emailed instead of posted.
My dh found out he has to work away from home on the 24th of April so I asked for the forms from the helpline so he could apply for a proxy vote. The forms still haven't been received by us, six days later, so I rang again today and they said it's too late even thought there's an extra grace period if you can't vote because you find out last minute that you will be unable to vote due to work reasons.
If I'd asked for the forms on Tuesday instead he would have until the 7th May to apply for a proxy vote, assuming he'd received the forms in less than a week.
If you could vote online or get the application emailed and print it yourself it would remove this problem. If the forms had been emailed they'd have been received at the election office the next day and in time.
My dh won't be able to vote now and neither will the dozen others that are working away from home with him. Dh never used to vote till I convinced him it matters.
Yes I know he could have applied for a proxy or postal vote just incase bur he's not had to work away for two years so didn't think it was necessary, he's on a rush job that has to be done over the next few weeks.
Voting online would be so much easier for those who work odd hours or who are in dh's position as it could be done from anywhere on the day. It would also be much easier as counting votes could be automatic instead of taking hours.