Electoral Commission consults on support at polling stations for disabled voters

The Electoral Commission has launched a consultation on updated guidance for returning officers on how to provide support to disabled people at polling stations.

Details: 06.Aug.2025

The guidance was previously updated to reflect provisions in the Elections Act 2022, which require returning officers to provide equipment to enable or make it easier for disabled people to vote independently and in secret.

The provisions also allow anyone who is over the age of 18 to act as a companion to assist a disabled voter.

The changes applied 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.

The Commission said its guidance has now been updated again based on how those changes have worked to date and following engagement with a range of organisations representing disabled people.

The consultation opened this week (4 August) and runs until 26 October.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: "The Commission's guidance is intended to support electoral staff in making accessibility arrangements at polling stations that can have a real and positive impact for disabled voters."

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She added: "To ensure we are getting the right feedback and information, we will be listening to the advice of the electoral community, electoral administrators, and civil society, charity and third-sector organisations representing disabled people.

"We are keen to hear from voters, so if you have views on the accessibility guidance, please share them with us."

Adam Carey