Accessibility at polling stations

Every voter should have the right to vote for themselves and in secret. 

In Redbridge, the Returning Officer will make reasonable adjustments so that voters with disabilities can vote without any barriers.

 

Adjustments we make at polling stations

Large print ballot paper poster

This is a poster of the ballot paper so that you can read the names of the candidates in the order they appear on the ballot paper.

Handheld ballot papers

This is a large, laminated copy of the ballot paper. You can hold so you can read the names of the candidates in the order they appear on the ballot paper.

Audio ballot papers 

Available on request at the polling station or request in advance.

Doorbells

Sometimes the doors to the polling station are not able to be kept open. If you ring the doorbell, this will alert the polling station staff that you have arrived and they will open the doors for you.

Magnifiers

This is to help you enlarge any text on the ballot papers and any forms you may have to complete.

Tactile voting devices

This is a device with braille on it that can be attached to the ballot paper to allow blind and visually impaired people to vote independently.

Wheelchair-accessible booth

There will be a low-level wheelchair-accessible booth in every polling station.

Pencil grips

These can be put on a pencil to make them easier to hold.

Chairs

There will be additional chairs for anyone who may need them.

Ramp

We have installed ramps at building with steps to ensure all polling stations are accessible.

Badges to identify polling station staff

All polling station staff will have a lanyard on to identify them. They will be there to assist you.

 

Help with your ballot paper

If you have a disability and cannot mark your ballot, you can bring someone to help you or ask the Presiding Officer at the polling station to help. 

Bring someone with you

If you bring someone with you to help mark your ballot paper, they must:

• be over 18 years old on the day of the election
• fill in a declaration form to say they have recorded your vote truly and faithfully

The Presiding Officer at the polling station can give you a companion declaration form on the day.

Help from the Presiding Officer

Presiding Officers can help you to vote and must keep your vote secret by law. 

If you need their help, ask a member of staff and the Presiding Officer will complete a declaration form recording this.

 

Asking for a reasonable adjustment

Under the Elections Act 2022, you have the right to ask for a reasonable adjustment at a polling station before an election.

Please do this as soon as you can before the election to give us enough time to see what we can do about your request.  

 

Other ways of voting

If you cannot or do not want to go to the polling station, you can vote by post or choose someone you trust to vote for you (proxy voting).