Voting in elections

We try to make it as easy as possible for everyone to register and vote and have a range of support options for those with disabilities.

Assistance at the polling station

We provide the following assistance at polling stations:

• Trained staff who are aware of voters who may need assistance and are available to help.
• Wheelchair access, including temporary ramps in most of our polling stations
• Additional seating in Polling Stations
• Low-level polling booths
• Large-print ballot papers, pencil grips, tactile voting devices and magnifiers
• Allow the use of voters with disabilities to use text-to-speech apps, magnifiers and torches on their phones
• Any person with a disability can be helped by anyone over the age of 18, including the presiding officer, to complete their ballot paper. A simple form will need to be completed before the ballot paper can be issued.

How to use a Tactile Voting Device (TVD)

• Polling Station staff will attach the TVD to the ballot paper to align the numbers on the flaps with the voting box for each candidate
• A companion or the presiding officer can then read out the name and description and number flap of each candidate in order
• When you know how you want to vote you can lift the relevant flap, mark the ballot paper and replace the flap
• The TVD can then be removed and the ballot paper put in the ballot box

Alternative ways to vote

If you don't want to go to the polling station to vote, you can apply for a postal vote, where a ballot paper is sent to you or proxy vote where a person can vote on your behalf.

Further information

If you have any specific concerns, please contact us as soon as you can.