Accessibility at the polling station
Your right to vote independently
Every voter has the right to vote independently and in secret. Polling stations must provide:
- reasonable adjustments if you have a disability
- equipment to help you vote
- support from staff if you need it
Support at polling stations
All polling stations have:
- a tactile voting device to help you mark your ballot paper
- at least one large print ballot paper for reference
- magnifiers
- additional lighting
- wheelchair access
Your local Electoral Registration Office can tell you about:
- physical access, for example wheelchair ramps and disabled parking spaces
- low-level polling booths
- any specific equipment you need
Getting help to vote
You can:
- ask polling station staff to help you
- bring someone with you to help (a companion)
- use your own equipment like mobile phone apps
- ask for your ballot paper to be read to you
- request help marking your ballot paper
Your companion must be:
- over 18
- eligible to vote in UK elections
- a close relative or qualified to assist disabled voters
Requesting equipment or adjustments
Contact your local Electoral Registration Office before election day if you need:
- specific equipment
- particular support
- a wheelchair accessible polling station
- help understanding your poll card or postal vote
Additional support
Staff at polling stations can:
- greet you and offer help
- explain the voting process
- guide you to the polling booth
- read out instructions
- help you find your way around
If you need more help
Contact your local Electoral Registration Office if you:
- have questions about accessibility
- need to discuss your needs
- want to check if your polling station is suitable
- need information in accessible formats
Other ways to vote
If you find it difficult to get to a polling station, you can:
- apply for a postal vote to vote from home
- arrange for someone to vote for you (proxy vote)
- apply for an emergency proxy vote if you have a medical emergency