Voting Information for Vision Impaired People in Norfolk

Voting is a fundamental right. The Elections Act 2022 requires officials to make provisions for an independent and secret vote. As the May elections approach, it’s important to know your rights and options.

Important Deadlines - May 2026

Register to Vote: Monday 20th April
Postal Vote Application: Tuesday 21st April (by 5pm)
Proxy Vote Application: Tuesday 28th April (by 5pm)
Free Voter ID Certificate: Tuesday 28th April (by 5pm)
Election Day: Thursday 7th May

If you plan on voting in the 7th May election make sure that you are registered to vote at your current address. You normally only need to register once unless you’ve changed your name, address or nationality. You can confirm if you are currently registered to vote by contacting your local registration office. You can find the details for your local registration office here: https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.

Voting In Person

The McGonagle Reader

One recent adaptation that is being provided by some voting stations is a McGonagle Reader. These devices function in a similar way to the existing tactile voting device however they are also able to read you the candidates’ names and election information allowing for more independence when voting.

While councils are beginning to acquire the McGonagle Reader, it is important to know that there is not a machine at every single polling station. It is important you contact your appropriate Local Registration Office well in advance to book it. When you reach out, you will likely need to coordinate the specific time and place you plan to vote so the council can ensure the machine is at your polling station when you arrive.

Two of our service users, Shaun and David, shared their feedback on using the McGonagle Reader at their local polling stations in the 2024 elections.

“The main massive difference this new version provides, is a full independence of being able to appreciate who the candidates are, and place our mark, all without any assistance from anyone at all.”

“It was mostly a good experience for us both, they placed the machine on a table, and we were able to sit down in front of it. David had some difficulties with a bright window that he was facing, it had blinds pulled down for privacy, and I was concerned that my table was too exposed to anyone passing by.

But, apart from that, we put on the headphones that came with the machine, which produced a very clear and good quality audio, and we proceeded to select the candidate and place our marks. It was as simple as that, all without needing anyone having to read the voting paper for us etc.

We totally encourage anyone to get into contact with their own Election Office and request them to purchase one of these very clever machines.” – Shaun M

Other Reasonable Adjustments

All polling stations are required to provide (if requested):

A large print copy of the ballot paper for reference
Magnifiers
Additional lighting
Pencil grips
A tactile voting device
Assistance to be guided to the voting booth, read the voting material and to mark your vote if required

You can request someone to accompany you to guide you to and from the polling booth and mark your ballot on your behalf if requested. The person helping you could be one of the polling stations staff or your own companion. Your companion can be anyone over 18 with a photo id. Your companion will be required to make a written declaration that you have asked for assistance.

The tactile voting device can help you mark your vote independently. It fits over the ballot paper and has tactile numbered lift up flaps directly over the boxes where you mark your vote. You will need to remember the number of the candidate you wish to vote for, then lift the flap with the same number and mark your cross in the box. Candidates are in alphabetical order and the list can be provided to you by request in audio format ahead of time, by referencing the large print ballot or by having someone read you the options.

Contact your local registration office as soon as possible to discuss any requirements and request reasonable adjustments.

Postal Voting

If you might struggle to get out to a polling station you can choose to register to vote by post instead. You do not need to give a specific reason to vote by post. You will be sent a ballot paper and can then cast your vote in your own home using your own magnifiers or equipment. You can apply for a postal vote for a single election on a specific date, or for all elections for the next three years.

Voting by Proxy

Alternatively, you can choose to have someone you trust cast your vote for you. Unlike postal voting, you do need to give a reason when you register for your proxy vote. Explaining you find it difficult to get to the polling station because of your sight loss should be a sufficient reason. You’ll need to register to vote by proxy at least six working days before the election by completing an application form and sending it back to your local electoral registration office. Unless you are registered as blind you will need someone to support your application, such as a GP or social worker. You can call your local authority’s election services to request one of these forms.

Your proxy must be registered to vote and able to vote at the polling station stated on your poll card. If someone is voting for you by proxy they must ensure they bring their own photo ID.