Help to vote – disabled access and information
At Tewkesbury Borough Council we want to ensure that the electoral process is as accessible to as many people as possible. This page outlines some of the resources available and the steps we are taking to ensure a wide range of accessibility needs are met.
If you would like to receive information in a different language, or if you have any questions about accessibility, please contact our elections team.
At the polling station
Accessibility at polling stations
- Our polling stations are wheelchair accessible either through flat level access, a ramp or with help from the Presiding Officer
- All stations have a wheelchair accessible polling booth
- Assistance dogs are welcome
If you would like any further information on a specific polling station, please contact our elections team.
All polling stations across the borough will have the following items:
- a large print ballot paper
- chairs will be provided for anyone who needs to sit whilst they wait to cast their vote or after voting
- handheld ballot paper magnifiers
- low level polling booths for wheelchair access
- pencils will be available with a rubber grip to help anyone with a writing disability like arthritis (you may also bring your own pen/pencil)
- tactile voting device which has braille and embossed numbers that correlate to the ballot papers
- trained staff who will be identifiable with name badges – who can offer assistance
- we encourage voters to bring and use their own personal aids to see and read the ballot paper easier, which could be on your mobile phone or other electronic device
If you require additional support when voting you may bring a companion over the age of 18 or ask the Presiding Officer. They will need to fill out a separate form in the polling station.
What other people can do
- Assist you moving around the polling station
- Read out the candidates’ names and parties on the ballot paper in order
- Explain the voting options to you
- Use their knowledge of your communication methods to understand who you want to vote for
- Come into the polling booth with you
- Mark the ballot paper with your decision if you permit them to do so
What other people can’t do
- Decide for you on who to vote for
- Mark the ballot paper against your wishes
- Stop you from voting because you have a disability or require additional support
If you need any further support, please get in contact and we will assist in any way we can.