Voting With Sight Loss - What Are Polling Stations Doing To Support Voters?

Voting day is upon us, and for many it is as simple as making a cross on a piece of paper. However, how does voting day work for those with sight loss?

Those with sight loss have the right to request a reasonable adjustment to vote in the general election. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) encourages voters who need reasonable adjustments to write to their local Returning Officer or local electoral services before the elections to notify them of the need for a reasonable adjustment.

The RNIB also provides templates on their website for forms to request the presence of an audio or audio-tactile device to vote at the polling station. These devices are:

The Audio Accord:

The audio accord is an example of a device that reads out a recording of the names and parties of the candidates available in the voters constituency. It can be used alongside a Tactile Voting Device (TVD) or a similar template that fits over the ballot paper to assist those with sight loss in locating the voting boxes. 

McGonagle Reader (MGR):

The MGR is an audio-tactile device with an integrated audio player. It is a plastic template that fits on the ballot paper to allow those with sight loss to find the voting boxes. 

Mobile phone apps that use AI to read printed text and video magnifying devices can also be used by those with sight loss as a reasonable adjustment. 

Polling station staff are also required to provide assistance to voters who need help being guided to the voting booth and making their mark on the ballot paper if needed. However, voters can bring a companion with them to help instead. The companion must be over the age of 18 and will be required to make a written declaration that the voter has asked them for assistance.

All polling stations are also required to have:

• a tactile voting device

• A tactile voting device has a sticky strip that attaches to the top of the ballot paper, with numbered lift up flaps over the boxes on the ballot paper. The numbers on the flap are raised and in braille. This voting method requires either a large print copy of the ballot or for someone to read the list of candidates for the voter.

• a large print copy of the ballot for reference

• Every polling station is required to display a large print copy of the ballot for reference in the polling station. They are also required to provide a copy for reference to the voter if requested. These are only to be read from, votes must still be cast on the standard ballot paper.

• magnifiers and additional lighting

Voters with sight loss are also able to apply to vote by proxy, meaning that they can appoint someone to vote on their behalf. A reason for the application is required when applying for this. According to the RNIB, unless the applicant is registered as blind they will need someone such as a GP or social worker to support their application. 

Like all voters, voters with sight loss can also choose to vote by post. Registering does not require a reason to be provided, and allows voters to vote in their own home using their own equipment instead of going to the polling station. They can also request assistance for voting at home including a tactile voting device, a large print form for reference and help returning their completed ballot.