Information for Disabled Electors

If an election is approaching, there are several ways to find out about the voting process and the accessibility of your local polling station - you can contact our Civic and Electoral Team by phone on 01244 402142 or by email at elreg@chester.gov.uk

• physical access - disabled parking spaces and entrance ramps
• low-level polling booths
• equipment such as magnifying glasses for voters with a visual impairment

If you need assistance on polling day, you can make an application to the presiding officer for them to mark your ballot paper for you - with your choice of candidate. Alternatively, they should allow you to vote with the assistance of a companion.

Tactile voting templates for blind or visually impaired voters

If you are blind or visually impaired you should be able to mark your ballot paper without the help of another person. Tactile voting templates feature large-scale numbers and raised lettering which you can compare with extra-large ballot papers that are also displayed at the polling station.

Polling station staff can read the list of candidates and their details to you if requested.

All polling stations must provide a tactile voting device and at least one large print display version of the ballot paper. This makes it easier to vote without another person's help if you're blind or visually impaired.

You can also ask polling station staff to read the list of candidates and their details to you.

How the devices work

The voting device has an adhesive backing, which attaches firmly to the ballot paper but can be removed without damaging the paper.

Flaps on the device cover each of the boxes on the ballot paper in which the vote is marked. The candidate number that corresponds to the box covered by a particular flap is embossed in black on the flap's surface. The number shows up well against the white background of the ballot paper and is also raised so it can be identified by touch.

To cast your vote, you lift the relevant flap to reveal the box on the ballot paper and make your mark. You can then remove the device from the ballot paper, fold the ballot paper and place it in the ballot box without help.

'Easy-read' voting information from the Disability Rights Commission

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) website has a section containing several useful downloads. The information has been produced by the DRC's Learning Disability Action Group.

Find out more on the Disability Rights Commission website (external link)

Postal voting

Many people prefer to vote in person but you may find it more convenient to vote by post. Postal voting is open to anyone and no one has to give a reason to vote by post. Find out more about postal votes

Voting by proxy - someone else voting on your behalf

If you have a reason that prevents you from voting in person, you can apply to vote by proxy. You should contact your electoral registration office at your local council for a form. Find out more about proxy votes

What about acting on someone else's behalf?

Some people who become mentally incapable, for example, because of dementia, may have someone to act on their behalf in certain situations.

A 'power of attorney' is a process in which a person gives the legal right to one or more people - the attorney to manage their affairs. This might be to sign cheques or withdraw money from a savings account for them.

However, the power of attorney does not extend to the electoral process. An attorney has no powers to vote on behalf of another person unless they have been appointed proxy on a form signed by the person.

A person could not vote in person at an elector's polling station, claiming power of attorney.

The Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. One of its aims is to look at ways of modernising the electoral process. This includes ways to make voting more accessible to disabled people. Their website also has a section containing information with particular relevance to disabled people.

Helpline: 0800 328 0280

Electoral Commission (external link)

Electoral Commission - information for disabled people (external link)