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.
To make this democratic right a reality for everyone, we have created some useful resources for voters and MPs to use and support the work to remove the barriers to voting independently.
Voters - 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.
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
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