Support in the polling station
Voters with disabilities are able to choose anyone who is over 18 to accompany them in the polling station to help them vote. They can also ask the person in charge of the polling station, known as the Presiding Officer, to help them fill in their ballot paper. The Presiding Officer is legally bound by the Requirements for Secrecy and the vote will remain secret.
What other people can do:
What other people can’t do:
Additional support required
Please let the polling station staff know if you require any additional support to exercise your right to vote. Polling station staff can be identified by wearing a badge which says either Presiding Officer or Poll Clerk. They are trained to help. For example, if you require:
Wheelchair Access
The polling stations have wheelchair access. The ramped access may not be through the main door, but it will be clearly signposted.
If it is difficult for you to access the polling station, the Presiding Officer can bring a ballot paper(s) out to you. Once you have voted, fold the ballot paper and the Presiding Officer will put it in the ballot box for you.
Each polling station has a low level polling booth suitable for use by wheelchair users.
Voting aids for visually impaired or blind voters
In addition to this, voters with disabilities are allowed to use any text-to-speech apps, torch or magnifier that they have on their phone to assist them with reading their ballot paper. Voters using one of these apps should inform the polling station staff.
Ask for a reasonable adjustment
We will also make all reasonable adjustments to support voters with disabilities to improve the range and quality of support.
To request a reasonable adjustment at a polling station in advance of an election you can email elections@ipswich.gov.uk or phone 01473 432000, your request will be considered and you will receive a response.
Other ways of voting
If you do not want to go to the polling station to vote, you can vote by post or proxy (you select and instruct a trusted friend or relative to vote on your behalf.) Voters with a disability can have a permanent proxy vote.
Guidance for voters with a learning disability
An easy read guide, Voting at a polling station can be found on the Mencap website.