Voting accessibility information

Everyone should be able to register and vote without facing barriers. They should be able to vote independently (on their own) and in secret. 

We offer a range of support to voters with accessibility needs which cover all aspects of the voter journey, including access to audio descriptions of the ballot papers, registering to vote, applying to vote by post or by proxy, help and access at polling stations, and help with completing postal votes.

The next scheduled elections are the local council elections taking place on 7 May 2026.

Audio ballot papers

Audio descriptions of ballot papers for Local elections taking place on 7 May 2026 will appear below from 16 April 2026.

Applying to register to vote

If your name is not included on the register, or you have moved to a new address within the borough or changed your personal details, please click here to register to vote and complete your registration online 

Please make sure that you have your national insurance number to hand, as you will need this to complete your online registration.

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 instead apply to vote by post or proxy.

By choosing to vote by post a ballot pack will be sent to you by post before polling day.

The deadline to apply to vote by post for the 7 May elections is 21 April 2026 at 5pm.

By choosing to vote by proxy (someone voting on your behalf), your appointed proxy will be allocated to vote at your polling station. A proxy must be eligible to vote in the election and only be appointed for a maximum of two domestic electors.

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 have chosen to vote in person at your polling station, your allocated polling station will be displayed on your polling card which you will receive by post in advance of the election. You can also check your allocated polling station in advance by visiting our polling station finder. You will need to enter your address or postcode and select your address from the drop-down list.

The link to access the polling station finder will appear here from 23 March 2026.  

When you arrive at your allocated polling station, you will be asked to confirm your name and address and present your photo ID documentation.

Once verified you will be given your ballot paper(s) which will include instructions on how to vote.

Accepted form of photo ID include Passport, Driving Licence, Blue Badge, Oyster 60+, Biometric Residence Permit, Freedom Pass, PASS card.

Click here for a full list of what types of photo ID are accepted  

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
  • Additional seating
  • Clear signage
  • Pencil grips
  • Additional lighting
  • Privacy Area/Privacy Screen for checking photo ID in private
  • Visually Impaired Voting Area for assisting voters who are visually impaired or blind
  • Voting aids and support for the visually impaired or blind voters, these include:
    • Magnifying glasses
    • Large print ballot papers
    • Large print notices
    • Ballot paper audio files (accessible via QR codes)
    • McGonagle Reader Device: An audio-tactile device, with an integrated audio player, to enable blind and partially sighted voters to complete their ballot paper(s) independently.
    • Traditional Tactile Voting Device: A plastic device that affixes to the ballot paper. It has flaps that cover each option on the ballot paper with the corresponding candidate position number. These numbers are embossed in black and can also be identified by touch. To cast your vote, lift the relevant flap to show the box on the ballot paper and make your mark.
  • Voters may use their own pencils or pens, or any specialist devices or apps, that assist them to cast their vote independently. For example, speech apps or video magnifiers. 
  • Our fully trained staff are on hand to support you throughout the voting process. They’ll be wearing clear identification and happy to help badges. They can:
    • Read out candidate names from the ballot paper if you request it
    • Mark your ballot paper according to your stated choice
    • Help you access audio ballot papers
    • Assist with using the McGonagle Reader or the tactile voting device
    • Assist if a voter is unable to enter the polling station due to a physical disability, they can bring the ballot paper out to a voter on request. After the voter has marked their ballot paper, the Presiding Officer will securely place it into the ballot box, ensuring their vote is counted.

We are committed to making voting accessible for all, regardless of physical ability, literacy, or sensory needs. If you require any assistance at the polling station, do not hesitate to ask a member of staff, who will be happy to help while maintaining the confidentiality and security of your vote. All assistance provided by staff is carried out confidentially. Staff are trained to respect your privacy and ensure that your voting choices remain secret. You can rely on the integrity of the process, knowing that your vote is protected and your independence is respected throughout.

If you have an accessibility need that prevents you from completing a ballot paper on your own, you can also bring someone with you to the polling station. Your companion must be 18 years or older on election day. At the polling station they must make themselves known to the polling station staff, as they will be required to complete a companion 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 by post approximately two weeks before the election.

We must receive your postal ballots by 10pm on polling day for your vote to be counted.

If you require assistance on either completing or returning your postal ballot paper, you can visit us at our offices or call our helpline. Contact details can be found at the contacting us section at the next section of this page. 

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 and/or staff support at our offices
  • Home visits for postal voters with accessibility needs who require emergency assistance
  • Dedicated Video Relay Service and phone support for deaf residents

Contacting us

You can contact the elections team for assistance either:

Supporting deaf electors

We have an on-demand service available to make it easier for deaf residents to connect with us and access the support they need:
Deaf residents can contact the elections team directly via video remote interpreting (VRI): Click here for 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 require any information in larger print, a different format, or another language, please contact us using the details provided. The Returning Officer will review your request and get back to you.

Further useful resources