Every voter has a right to vote independently and in secret. Our polling stations are evaluated to make sure they are accessible to people with disabilities.
At the polling station
If you are voting in person at a polling station and need assistance, please ask the polling staff who will be happy to help. Polling staff can be identified by a badge which says 'Presiding Officer' or 'Poll Clerk'.
If it is too difficult for you to get into the polling station, the Presiding Officer may take the ballot paper out to you. After you have marked your ballot paper, the Presiding Officer will place your folded ballot paper into the ballot box.
We have the following aids to assist voters in a polling station:
- disabled parking spaces
- a low level voting booth that is wheelchair friendly
- chairs
- pencils with additional grip
- large ‘sample’ ballot paper which can be taken into the polling booth
- large print notices
- braille voting device
- magnifier
- appropriate lighting which may be a separate LED light
- pencils with additional grip
Voters with disabilities can also use a text-to-speech app on their phone, a torch or a magnifier that they have to assist them with reading or marking their ballot paper. Let polling station staff know if you're using your own aid.
Marking your ballot paper
If you have a disability, you can also choose anyone over 18 to go with you into the polling station to help mark your ballot paper. They can read out the names and instructions on the ballot paper and mark it with you. However, they cannot decide who you should vote for.
You can also ask the Presiding Officer to help mark your ballot paper - they are legally bound to keep your vote secret.
Other ways to vote
If you prefer not to visit the polling station, you can vote by post or by proxy.
Information in other formats
British Sign Language have produced a video for deaf voters on what to expect at the polling station.
Royal National Institute of Blind People have guidance on voting for people with sight loss.
My Vote My Voice have a voting passport for people with a learning disability or autism to hand to polling staff so they easily can understand the reasonable adjustments needed to enable you to vote.
If you require any information in another format (such as a large print poll card) or you want to ask about a polling station's accessibility, contact us on 01279 446047 or email elections@harlow.gov.uk