Access to vote at a polling station is a right for all
April 1, 2010 2:46 PM
Well before the election campaign gets underway, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Nigel Rock has written to the election officers to make sure everyone gets the chance to vote at a polling station.
Nigel wrote on 15 March "I enquire about access to polling stations at the forthcoming election, for those with disabilities. Whilst this is generally and correctly taken to address mobility difficulties, there are other additional issues such and sight and hearing. Could you let me know what arrangements will be made in this respect please?"
Nigel says "Improvements in the postal vote system mean that anyone can request a postal vote without giving a reason. Often this is work commitments or holidays, or other unexpected reasons in today's busy world. One reason might be have mobility difficulties, but many people get satisfaction of personally going to the polling station to cast their vote. It is up to election officers to do their best to help people do this, irrespective of mobility or other disabilities. I know from my own family and my work with the Southam Access Group on improving facilities for those with various disabilities, that access issues are sometimes not fully understood. I have tried to help everyone exercise their democratic right in the way they wish to."
The answer received was:
"Further to our meeting this week I am writing on behalf of all the Election Officers for Kenilworth and Southam Constituency to confirm that all polling stations as a matter of course carry the following items for electors with sight and hearing disabilities:
· large size ballot paper to display for electors to read
· hand held magnifier for electors to use
· A selector to place over the ballot paper for the elector to feel the Braille dots of the number of the Candidate they wish to vote for. Assistance is given by the Presiding Officer in telling the elector the order of the Candidates.
· The Presiding Office may give assistance to any elector if they wish.
· An elector may bring a companion with them into the Polling Station to help them vote. In this situation the companion completes a form provided by the Presiding Officer."
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