Polling stations

While most voting and registration procedures are set out in law, the Returning Officer is committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure that voters with disabilities can participate in elections without barriers.

Every voter should have the right to vote independently and in secret. However, we know that disabled people face barriers to voting.

Under the Elections Act 2022, individuals have the right to request a reasonable adjustment at a polling station in advance of an election.

You can request a reasonable adjustment by emailing elections@havering.gov.uk and telling us:

• your first name and surname
• your email and phone number
• your address
• what your request is

You can also call us on 01708 432444.

Please do this as soon as possible before elections take place to enable sufficient time for your request to be considered.

Existing adjustments and support for people with disabilities at polling stations

Wheelchair access

All polling stations are wheelchair accessible and temporary ramps are provided where needed.

Some polling stations may have an alternative step-free access route, and this will be clearly signposted.

Every polling station has a low-level polling booth. It's suitable for most wheelchair users.

Help from a companion

If you have a disability which prevents you from marking your ballot paper on your own, you can bring someone with you to the polling station to help you to mark your ballot paper.

Your companion must be over 18 years old on the day of election and must complete a declaration form to state they have recorded your vote truly and faithfully.

Companion declaration forms can be obtained from the Presiding Officer at the polling station on polling day.

Help from the Presiding Officer at the polling station

If you have a disability which prevents you from marking your ballot paper on your own, the Presiding Officer at the polling station can help you to vote.

Presiding Officers are legally bound by the requirement of secrecy, and you can be confident your vote will remain secret.

Pencil grips

Specially designed pencil grips are available at every polling station to assist electors who may struggle to hold and use pencils comfortably.

Voting aids for visually impaired or blind voters

Tactile Voting Devices

Tactile Voting Devices are available at all polling stations to help blind electors mark their ballot paper in secret

The device is fixed to the ballot paper. Each candidate is numbered on the tactile device with the first candidate on the ballot paper numbered 1.

The numbers are embossed in braille on the device so the elector can identify the candidate(s) of their choice by touch. Next to each number is a flap that can be opened.

This is positioned directly above the box in which the vote is cast for the candidate.

Large print

Large print versions of ballot papers are available in every polling station.

These can be used as a reference. By law, you must cast your vote on a standard sized ballot paper.

Audio Ballot Papers

Audio Ballot Papers are available by scanning a QR code on your mobile phone.

The list of candidates will then be read to you as they appear on the ballot paper.

Text to speech apps

Voters with disabilities are welcome to use text-to-speech apps or other assistive equipment as required to read documents to help them to mark their ballot paper.

Magnifying glasses

Magnifying glasses are available at all polling stations.

Colour Overlays

Colour Overlays are available at all polling stations in various colours.

These can be placed over the ballot paper to reduce the contrast making it easier to focus on the text.

Other ways of voting

If you are unable, or do not want to go to the polling station, you can vote by post or proxy.

Further resources on accessibility

My Vote My Voice is a campaign to support voting for people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have created a step-by-step guide to voting.

GOV.UK have created an easy read guide on applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.