Guidance for Returning Officers - Assistance with voting for disabled voters

Working with local networks and civil society organisations in your area

You may have existing relationships with networks of disability groups and civil society organisations. If you do not have these relationships, you may need to work with others who do, for example: 

  • teams across your local authority who may have contact with disabled people
  • social care providers, including the likes of care homes and day centres
  • equalities officers
  • communications teams
  • housing officers
  • partnership/Community Engagement officers
  • County Voluntary Councils/People First Groups (Wales)

Establishing relationships with disability groups and civil society organisations that are active in your local area can be beneficial as they can advise you on specific steps you can take to improve the accessibility of voting at polling stations in certain locations. They can also provide advice on the types and methods of communication you should use to promote the equipment and support available at polling stations as well as information on elections more generally.   

Some teams within your local authority or other local organisations may also be able to provide advice to you about how to determine whether any particular equipment should be provided in specific polling stations to enable or make it easier for disabled voters to vote. They may also have access to specialist equipment which may benefit disabled voters locally with particular impairments and needs which you could borrow or hire. Local organisations and partners may also be able to advise you on the types of resource or support you could provide to reduce barriers to voting for disabled voters. 

Last updated: 6 December 2023