When you go to your local polling station to vote in the local elections in May, there will be a range of accessibility measures available to you to make it as easy as possible.
To help residents vote independently and maintain their secrecy on polling day, Thursday 7 May, there will be wheelchair-accessible polling stations, low-level booths for voting in, privacy areas for photo ID checks and specialist support for the visually impaired and deaf voters.
Audio descriptions of ballot papers, for each of the 24 wards are also available online ahead of the big day, so voters can take a look at the list of candidates standing in their area well before they go to vote. Audio and large-print ballot papers will also be available in polling stations.
Deaf residents can find support through an on-demand video remote interpreting service.
Support in polling stations
Fully trained staff will be on hand throughout election day to provide confidential support, while ensuring each voter’s choices remain private.
And all of the polling stations across the borough will be compliant with the Equality Act, providing support such as:
- step-free access and ramps where needed
- extra seating and brighter lighting
- pencil grips to make marking the ballot paper easier
- a dedicated voting area for the visually impaired
- voting aids for blind or visually impaired voters including: magnifying glasses, large-print ballot papers and notices, ballot paper audio files, tactile voting devices and McGonagle Reader Device (an audio-assisted device).
Tony Clements, Ealing Council’s chief executive will be returning officer during the elections. He said: “We want everyone to be able to exercise their right to vote. We are working to ensure the local elections, taking place on Thursday 7 May, are as accessible as possible with a range of measures designed to help everyone to vote independently.”
Don’t forget to take ID
If you are voting in person at a polling station, you have to show an accepted form of photo ID – a list of which can be found on the council’s website. Staff can provide privacy and support for anyone who needs assistance when presenting ID.
For more information about the full list of accessibility support available, visit the elections voting accessibility webpage.
Still need help?
Anyone who needs support to vote, or requires information in large print or another format, can contact the elections helpline on 020 8825 7777 (9am–5pm, weekdays) or email elections@ealing.gov.uk
Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash
