Accessibility of elections

Accessibility of elections: Assistance to vote

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

Existing adjustments and 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
  • Badges identifying polling station staff
  • Temporary alerters or doorbells where polling stations have doors that are required to remain shut during the day (such as fire doors)
  • Wheelchair access, including temporary ramps in most of our polling stations
  • Additional seating in Polling Stations
  • Low-level polling booths
  • Large-print ballot papers in all polling stations, which can be used for reference. By law, you must cast your vote in a standard size ballot paper
  • Tactile voting devices in all polling stations to help blind voters mark their ballot paper in secret
  • Pencil grips in all polling stations and you are welcome to bring your own pen/pencil
  • Magnifiers in all polling stations
  • Allow the use of voters with disabilities to use text-to-speech apps, magnifiers and torches on their phones
  • Presiding officers can help you to vote. They are legally bound by the requirement of secrecy and you can be confident your vote will remain secret
  • Any person with a disability can be helped by anyone over the age of 18, to complete their ballot paper. A simple form will need to be completed before the ballot paper can be issued
  • Assistance animals are welcome inside polling stations

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

Voting by post

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.

If you cannot provide a consistent signature on your application and postal voting statement, which you must complete as part of your postal vote, you can apply for a waiver so your signature is not required. You can do this as part of your online application to vote by post or separately by contacting us on the details below. 

Voting by proxy

You can apply for someone you trust to vote in your behalf by applying for a proxy vote.

Voters with a disability can apply for a permanent proxy vote. This means you will nominate a named other person to receive and mark your ballot paper on your behalf.

Other resources