Help with voting and accessibility
Everyone should be able to register and vote easily, on their own, and in secret.
We offer support for voters with accessibility needs throughout the voting process.
The next scheduled elections are the local council elections on 7 May 2026.
Audio ballot papers
Audio descriptions of ballot papers for local elections on 7 May 2026 will be available on this page from 16 April 2026.
Applying to register to vote
If you are not registered to vote, or you have moved address or changed your details, register to vote online - have your national insurance number ready, as you will need it to register online.
For large print or easy read registration application forms you can download these from the Electoral Commission website:
The deadline to register to vote for the 7 May elections is 20 April 2026.
Applying to vote by post or proxy
If you are unable or do not want to vote at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post or proxy.
If you choose to vote by post, we will send you a ballot pack in the post before polling day.
- easy read guide to applying for a postal vote on GOV.UK
- apply to vote by post online on GOV.UK
- download a paper postal vote application form on GOV.UK
The deadline to apply to vote by post for the 7 May elections is 21 April 2026 at 5pm.
If you choose to vote by proxy (someone voting for you), your proxy will vote at your polling station. They must be eligible to vote and can only act as a proxy for up to 2 people.
- easy read guide to applying for a proxy vote on GOV.UK
- apply to vote by proxy online on GOV.UK
- download a paper proxy application form on GOV.UK
The deadline to apply to vote by proxy for the 7 May elections is 28 April 2026 at 5pm.
Help and access at polling stations
If you vote in person, your polling station will be shown on your polling card. This is sent by post before the election.
You can also check it online using our polling station finder. You will need to enter your address or postcode and select your address from the drop-down list.
When you arrive at your allocated polling station, you will be asked to confirm your name and address and show your photo ID documentation.
Accepted types of photo ID include passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, Oyster 60+, biometric residence permit (BRP), Freedom Pass, PASS card.
Full list of what types of photo ID are accepted on GOV.UK
Once your details are checked you will be given your ballot paper which will include instructions on how to vote.
All our polling stations are Equality Act compliant and we offer a wide range of support to voters with accessibility needs at polling stations.
A list of accessibility support provided as standard includes:
- wheelchair accessibility
- provision of ramps (where needed)
- low level polling booths and ballot boxes suitable for wheelchair users and people of short stature
- extra seating
- clear signage
- pencil grips
- extra lighting
- privacy area and privacy screen for checking photo ID in private
- visually impaired voting area for helping voters who are visually impaired or blind
- voting aids and support for the visually impaired or blind voters, which include:
- magnifying glasses
- large print ballot papers
- large print notices
- ballot paper audio files (accessible via QR codes)
- McGonagle Reader: an audio tactile device with an built-in audio to help blind and partially sighted voters vote independently
- traditional tactile voting device: a plastic device that fits onto the ballot paper. It has numbered flaps for each option, which can be seen and felt. Left the flat for your chosen option and mark the box
- voters may use their own pencils or pens, or any specialist devices or apps, that help them to cast their vote independently, for example, speech apps or video magnifiers
- our trained staff are available to support you throughout the voting process - they wear clear ID and "happy to help" badges and they can:
- read out candidate names from the ballot paper if you ask
- mark your ballot paper according to your stated choice
- help you access audio ballot papers
- help with using the McGonagle Reader or the tactile voting device
- bring the ballot paper to a voter and place it securely in the ballot box after it is marked, if they cannot enter the polling station because of a physical disability
We are committed to making voting accessible for everyone. If you need help at the polling station, please ask a member of staff. They will be happy to help and will keep your vote confidential and secure.
If you have an accessibility need and cannot complete your ballot paper on your own, you can bring someone with you to help. Your companion must be 18 or over and will need to speak to polling station staff and complete a declaration form.
Help with completing postal ballot packs
If you have chosen to vote by post, your postal ballot papers will be sent to you around 2 weeks before the election.
We must receive your postal ballots by 10pm on polling day for your vote to be counted.
If you need help with completing or returning your postal ballot paper, you can visit us at our offices or call our helpline.
Contact us
You can contact the elections team for help by:
- calling the helpline on 020 8825 7777 (9am to 5pm weekdays) (6am to 10pm on polling day)
- emailing elections@ealing.gov.uk
- visiting in person: Elections reception, Greenford Hall, Ruislip Road, Greenford UB6 9QN. Our offices are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, and on polling day from 6am to 10pm. There is free parking onsite, including disabled bays close to the office reception.
Find more information on our website about elections
A list of accessibility support provided for postal voters includes:
- voting aids and support for the visually impaired or blind voters
- use of McGonagle Reader, traditional tactile voting device or staff support at our offices
- home visits for postal voters with accessibility needs who require emergency help
- dedicated video relay service and phone support for deaf residents
Supporting deaf electors
We offer an on-demand service to help deaf residents get in touch with us and access the support they need.
Deaf residents can contact the elections team directly by video remote interpreting (VRI): access to this service and to initiate the call
Ask for a reasonable adjustment not covered
If you need support that is not listed above, or if you need any information in larger print, a different format, or another language, contact us using the details provided above. The returning officer will review your request and get back to you.