Constitution Group - Elections Division, Division, Electoral
Registration Transformation Programme
General update and briefing for the AEA Conference 29 February to
2 March 2016 and for AEA Branch Meetings in March 2016
7. Accessibility
Cabinet Office survey of Local Authorities on accessibility of 7 May 2015 polls
Cabinet Office is grateful to the 214 local authorities which responded to its survey in
August/September on the accessibility of the 7 May 2015 polls. The survey
considered issues affecting voters who have learning disabilities or who are
blind/visually impaired. Key findings, with recommendations on how to improve
accessibility, are presented below:
●
35 LAs (16.5% of those which responded to the question) indicated that they
made no resources available for people with learning disabilities. LAs are
asked to note that Mencap has produced easy read guides to voting and
registering to vote which are on the Electoral Commission’s website:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/how-to-vote? Resources
should be promoted with LA services and external groups/organisations that
work with people with learning disabilities;
●
29 LAs (16% of those which responded to the question) provided the tactile
voting device (TVD) to blind voters in their own home.
Disability organisations tell us that it is hugely helpful for LA staff to take the
TVD to blind / visually impaired voters in their own home where they are able
to do so. (Posting out a TVD is not a recommended option since an elector
may need assistance in using the device);
●
18 LAs (10% of those which responded to the question) did not publish a
helpline number on the poll card which disabled people could
call. Legislation does require the inclusion of a helpline number, and publishing
it in 16 point Arial or bigger will increase its accessibility to visually impaired
voters.
● 75% of respondents answered the questions about the complaints received:
●
4 LAs received complaints about the TVD not fitting the ballot paper
because the incorrect template was provided. TVDs should be labelled
to avoid the wrong one being used (this is especially important where
elections are combined);
●
2 LAs received complaints that the TVD slipped around the ballot
paper. To prevent this, polling station staff need to remove the backing
tape on the TVD to expose the adhesive backing which sticks the device
to the ballot paper. After use, the TVD should be returned to its plastic
wallet to preserve the adhesive backing. Directions for using the TVD
are on the back of the wallet;
●
2 LAs received complaints that sample copies of the ballot paper
were not in a suitable font size. The size of some ballot papers may
make it difficult for LAs to enlarge them, they should therefore plan
ahead to ensure they can access facilities where this can be done.
LAs are encouraged to promote the TVD which allows the vote to be cast secretly
and independently, rather than advising blind / visually impaired voters to use an
absent vote. They are also asked to note that the removal of numbering against
candidates names on the ballot paper last year does not affect the use of the TVD.
LAs should consider whether they can offer information concerning the contents of
the ballot paper in advance of the poll by email, or enclosed with postal ballot packs
in large font size, to assist blind / visually impaired voters, and should also aim to
publish the information on their websites.
We welcome any comments on the findings;
please email [email protected]