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: