Voting and what you need to know
The right to vote independently, and in secret, is a cornerstone of our democracy. 
Yet blind and partially sighted people continue to face unacceptable barriers to exercising their democratic right to vote.
Read more about our research into the voting experiences of blind and partially sighted people, what blind and partially sighted voters need to know, and how MPs can make sure their services are accessible for people with sight loss. You can also ask your MP to sign up to support our work.
Voting experiences – general election 2019
Our latest survey found despite current voting provisions being declared unlawful in May 2019:
- Just over one in ten blind voters and less than half of partially sighted voters could vote independently and in secret in the 2019 general election
- Less than half of blind and partially sighted people are satisfied with their experience of voting
- And more than half of blind people were unable to read any information about the election from local councils, including poll cards.
Read more about our Turned Out report 2019.
Voters - what you need to know
By law, local authorities must:
1. Ensure that every polling station has the correct tactile voting device and large print ballot papers and that staff know how to use these
2. Ensure that the tactile voting device correctly fit the ballot papers and that the large print versions of the ballot paper are readily available for voters to use, not displayed as posters
MPs - what you need to know
The incidence of sight loss is increasing, making you more likely than ever to meet a blind or partially sighted constituent. We've developed some top tips to support you in your understanding of your consittuents with sight loss to make surer you give them an accessible experience, such as:
- If you’re not sure what support a constituent may need, ask them how you can best help
- Pictures and printed text don’t work for everyone. Remember to offer alternatives in your communications
Ask your MP to become an RNIB Champion
Having the support of MPs ensures that the interests of blind and partially sighted people are represented in Parliament. That's why we are asking MPs to become RNIB Champions, to show their support for our mission to remove the barriers that blind and partially sighted people face everyday.
Use our interactive map to find out if your MP has become an RNIB Champion. Just click on the image and it will take you to the interactive map. Alternatively, you can read the map data in an accessible word version.
If your MP is not already signed up, why not take one of our quick and easy actions and ask your MP to become an RNIB Champion today.
Turned Out Reports: Access to voting for people with sight loss
Since 2015, we have surveyed blind and partially sighted voters after Local, General and European elections to find out about their experiences. They have continued to report that they face unacceptable barriers to exercising their democratic right to vote in secret.
Read the Turned Out reports