Disabled people’s rights to help with voting

2 mins read

Monday 20 April 2026

There is less than three weeks to go until local elections across England and Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections.

You can find out if there are elections in your area on the Electoral Commission’s website.

We’re calling on families in Scotland and Wales to tell their electoral candidates to commit to fight for families with disabled children.

In Scotland: Contact your MSP candidates

In Wales: Contact your MS candidates

But wherever you are, it’s important to know that disabled people have a right to help voting. Whether your disabled child is of voting age or you are disabled yourself, read below what support you should expect to be available.

How polling stations must help disabled people

Polling stations must be accessible to disabled people. This means that reasonable adjustments to the premises must be made where necessary.

At a minimum, polling stations should provide:

  • Seating for users who may need a rest after being on their feet for long periods.
  • Magnifiers and tactile voting devices to help blind or partially-sighted people vote. You can take your phone into the polling booth to use magnifier or text-to-speech apps. You can use your phone’s torch to improve lighting.
  • A pencil grip for voters with dexterity difficulties and a polling booth at wheelchair level.
  • A large sample copy of the ballot paper.
  • A ramp (for buildings with steps), temporary doorbells as required, appropriate lighting and, where parking is available, reserved disabled spaces.

Bringing a companion

Anyone who is disabled or unable to read is allowed to bring a companion into the ballot booth to help them vote.

The companion must be over 18 in England, and over 16 in elections in Wales and Scotland. In Scotland, the companion must be able to vote in that election or a close relative.

You can also ask for help from the Presiding Officer at the polling station.

Need more help?

My Vote My Voice has an easy read guide on voting for disabled people.

You might also find the following resources helpful: