Improving the accessibility of elections

From May 2023, there are changes which aim to provide greater flexibility and choice in how disabled voters are supported to vote at polling stations. 

The changes apply to local elections in England, Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales, local and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland, and general elections in the UK including recall petitions.

The changes were applied for the first time at the local elections taking place in 230 areas of England in May 2023. 

Changes

Disabled voters can choose anyone who is over 18 to accompany them in the polling station to help them vote, including carers who may not themselves be eligible to vote at the election. 

There are also changes to the assistance available at polling stations. From May 2023, Returning Officers need to take all reasonable steps to provide support for disabled voters at polling stations. This will improve the range and quality of support available and speed up the process of providing additional support where needed. 

Our role

We have consulted organisations that represent disabled people, electoral administrators, and the Government to update our guidance for electoral administrators. Our guidance recommends what Returning Officers should make available in polling stations for disabled voters, so that they receive the service they are entitled to.

Working alongside partners, we let disabled voters know about the changes and how to contact the electoral services team at their local council if they need support. 

Reporting on May 2023 local elections in England

The May 2023 local elections in England were the first elections where there was increased flexibility as to what support and equipment could be provided in polling stations to enable, or make it easier for, disabled people to vote independently and in secret.

Read our report into the May 2023 local elections in England.