Your rights as a voter
All voters have a right to vote independently and in secret.
The Electoral Commission and the charity Scope have produced a factsheet that you can take along with you to the polling station. The factsheet sets out the rights of disabled voters:
There is an 'Easy guide to voting' in large print (PDF) and audio (MP3) on the Electoral Commission's 'About my vote' website:
Electoral information in audio and large print format - About my vote website
Polling stations
Local authorities have to ensure that polling stations don't disadvantage disabled people.
Large print ballot form
By law, every polling station must display a large print copy of the ballot paper for reference. They must also provide a reference copy for you to take into the booth with you. You must still cast your vote on a standard print ballot paper.
Tactile voting device
This device can help you vote independently and confidentially. Each polling station must provide a tactile device for people with sight problems.
The tactile voting device has a sticky backing, which attaches on top of your ballot paper. It has numbered lift up flaps (the numbers are raised and in braille) directly over the boxes where you make your mark.
You will need to use the large print ballot form, or ask someone (a companion or polling station staff) to read out the list of candidates to you. The candidates are in alphabetical order. You will need to remember the number of the candidate you wish to vote for. Then lift the flap with the same number and mark your cross (X) in the box.
You can then detach the tactile device and fold your ballot paper in half before posting it in the ballot box.
Help at the polling station
Disabled voters may request the assistance of polling station staff. They can help guide you between the entrance, desk, polling booth and ballot box. They can also vote on your behalf.
If you prefer you may bring a companion with you who can do the same. This person must be an immediate family member over 18 years old or a 'qualified elector' - which means someone who is legally able to vote in a UK election.
Vote by proxy
If you are registered to vote, but will be unable to get to a polling station to vote, you can appoint someone you trust to go to your polling station to vote on your behalf. This is called voting by proxy.
Unlike postal voting you need to give a reason for your proxy vote - for example having a disability. You'll need to register at least six working days before the election.
To vote by proxy, you'll need to fill in an application form (there are different application forms depending on your reason for requesting a proxy vote), sign it, and send it back to your local electoral registration office. Unless you are registered as blind you will need someone to support your application (such as a GP or social worker).
Download the proxy vote form from the About my vote website at or call your local authority's election services.
Postal voting
You can apply to vote by post rather than going to a polling station.
If you have registered to vote by post you will be sent your ballot paper. You can cast your vote in your own home using your own magnifiers or equipment, or other place, rather than going to your polling station.
You can also request assistance at home, a tactile voting device, large print ballot form for reference, and help with returning your completed ballot form.
There are large print (PDF) and audio (MP3) postal vote application forms on the About my vote website:
Electoral information in audio and large print formats - About my vote
Further information
Polls apart - opening elections to disabled people (Scope)
Electoral Commission's About my vote website - for information about how to vote, and you can search for your local electoral registration office.
Accessibilty FAQs - About my vote website - for information about accessible voting.
If you have trouble using the Electoral Commission's About my vote website, you can phone them on 020 7271 0592 or 020 7291 0728 to request information.
Information on the Directgov website:
Make a difference
Why not contact your local MP to to talk discuss how he/she supports blind and partially sighted constituents? Let's get the issues that affect blind and partially sighted people on the political agenda.
RNIB campaigns on issues that affect blind and partially sighted people. Our campaign priorities are:
Support for people living with sight loss:
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an inclusive education and assessment system
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an end to blind and partially sighted people's exclusion from employment
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public transport that is accessible, with concessionary fare entitlements maintained
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the public sector and service providers to deliver on blind and partially sighted people's right to access information, whether in large print, audio, or braille
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the UK and EU to improve access to new technologies and promote inclusive design of products.
Preventing avoidable sight loss - over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable.
Support for people when they lose their sight - only eight per cent of people are offered formal counselling when diagnosed.
RNIB and the elections
Our UK Parliamentary Manager, Dan Scorer, has recorded two short audio clips about the election:
Improvements for blind and partially sighted people during the last parliament (MP3, 2.2MB)
Potential impact of the forthcoming election on RNIB's work (MP3, 1.9MB)