Accessibility a Priority at Local Council Election

Thumbs up to the London Borough of Ealing for announcing a range of accessibility support that will be available on polling day for the local council election.

Designed to help residents in the borough vote independently and maintain their secrecy, measures for May 7 include wheelchair accessible polling stations, low level booths, privacy area for photo ID checks and specialist support for the visually impaired and deaf voters.

Audio descriptions of ballot papers, for each of the 24 wards, will be available online, so voters can review candidate lists ahead of polling day. Audio and large print ballot papers will also be available in polling stations.

Deaf residents can access support through an on-demand video remote interpreting service.

Staff will be available at polling stations to assist anyone who needs help and polling stations across the borough will be compliant with the Equality Act.

Support available at polling stations will include:

·       Step-free access and ramps where needed

·       Additional seating and brighter lighting

·       Pencil grips to make marking the ballot paper easier

·       A dedicated voting area for the visually impaired

·       Voting aids for blind or visually impaired voters, including magnifying glasses, large print ballot papers and notices, ballot paper audio files, tactile voting devices and McGonagle Reader Device

“We want everyone to be able to exercise their right to vote,” said Tony Clements, Ealing Council returning officer.

“We are working to ensure the local elections, taking place on Thursday, May 7, are as accessible as possible with a range of measures designed to help everyone to vote independently.”

For information on the accessibility support available on polling day visit https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201065/elections/3577/voting_accessibility_information