The Equality Act defines having a disability as having a physical or mental condition which has a substantial and long-term impact on the ability to do normal day-to-day activities. A disability can be as a result of a medical condition. A disability does not have to be a diagnosed medical condition and can include physical or psychological impairments that may or may not be visible.
Ask for a reasonable adjustment
Every voter should have the right to vote independently and in secret. We know that disabled people, including blind and partially sighted people face barriers to voting, including:
- Their voting rights not being communicated in an accessible way
- Not having the support needed when registering to vote or voting
- Physical, psychological and information barriers when voting at a polling station
- The method of voting – making a cross in a specific location on a piece of paper – being a visual exercise
Request form
Under the Elections Act 2022 you have the right to request a reasonable adjustment at a polling station in advance of an election. To do so, please complete the form linked below. You can also phone 020 8901 2660 or email elections@harrow.gov.uk with the reasonable adjustment you require.
Request reasonable adjustments
Your request will be considered and you will receive a response from the team as soon as possible.
Other ways of voting
If you do not want to go to the polling station to vote, you can apply to vote by post or appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf (by proxy). Voters with a disability can appoint a permanent proxy.
Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK – applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026
Apply for a proxy vote - GOV.UK – applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026
Support in the polling station
Voters with disabilities can choose anyone who is over 18 to accompany them in the polling station to help them vote. They can also ask the person in charge at the polling station, known as the Presiding Officer, to help them fill in their ballot paper. The Presiding Officer is legally bound by the Requirements for Secrecy, and the vote will remain secret.
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 method 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 cannot do:
- Decide for you who to vote for
- Mark the ballot paper against your wishes
- Stop you from voting because you have a disability or require additional support
Additional support required
Please let the polling station staff know if you require any additional support to exercise you right to vote. They will be wearing a badge which says either ‘Presiding Officer’ or ‘Poll Clerk’. They are trained to help if you require:
- To be shown a large print version of a ballot paper
- To use the Tactile Voting Device
- To use the magnifiers to increase the size of text on documents
- To use a pencil grip to help with a dexterity impairment
- Chair/seating if you cannot stand for long periods
- To be able to lip read
Wheelchair access
Polling stations have wheelchair access which will be signposted and may not be through the main door. Each polling station has a low-level polling booth suitable for use by wheelchair users.
If it is difficult for you to access the polling station, the Presiding Officer can bring your ballot paper to you so you can vote.
Voting aids for visually impaired or blind voters
- A large print copy of the ballot paper will be displayed in every polling station
- A handheld large print copy of the ballot paper will be available to take into the polling booth with you
- Audio ballot papers will be available online prior to polling day and a QR code will be available in the polling station for use on polling day
- Tactile voting devices can be attached to ballot papers. These have numbered flaps that cover each candidate on the ballot paper. The numbers are embossed in black and include braille markings. To cast a vote, the relevant flap should be lifted to enable the voter to make a mark against the desired candidate. The device is then removed from the paper, and the ballot paper can be put into the ballot box
- McGonagle readers can be made available at polling stations upon request
In addition to this, voters with disabilities are allowed to use any text-to-speech apps, torch or magnifier to assist them with reading their ballot paper. Voters using one of these apps should inform the polling station staff.
Guidance for voters with a learning disability
There is information about voting available on Mencap’s website: All about voting | Mencap