Information for disabled voters

Making voting accessible

Everyone has the right to vote independently and in private.

We provide various options and support to help you vote in the way that best suits you.

Different ways to vote

At a polling station

Before an election, you will be sent a poll card that will tell you where your polling station is. You can also check your polling station by visiting Where do I vote? in the weeks before an election. Every polling station has:

• level access or suitable ramps
• low-level polling booths for wheelchair users
• seating available
• extra lighting (including desk lamps)
• large print ballot papers for reference
• tactile voting devices for blind and partially sighted voters
• magnifying glasses
• pencil grips
• support from trained staff
• braille versions of ballot papers
• reserved parking bays, where car parking is available
• ballot box positioned at wheelchair-accessible height

If you think other equipment or adjustments could help you cast your vote, please contact the Elections team who will be happy to discuss this with you.

You can get help with voting by asking polling station staff, or you can bring a companion aged 18 or over to assist you.

Staff members wear name badges and will assist you by explaining how to vote, showing you any large print ballot papers, helping you use the tactile voting device and supporting your chosen companion in assisting you if needed.

Voting by post

You can vote by post by applying online, requesting a paper form, or getting assistance from someone to complete your postal vote. Derby City Council accepts both online and paper applications.

Proxy voting

To vote by proxy, apply online or request a paper application form by contacting the Elections team. Your chosen proxy must cast your vote according to your instructions, so should be someone you trust.

British Sign Language videos

The Electoral Commission has produced a series of videos on YouTube for BSL users:

• Registering to vote
• How to apply for free voter ID, if you need it
• Which elections require photo ID, and which forms of ID can I use to vote?
• What to expect at the polling station, and other ways to vote

Your feedback matters

We welcome feedback about your voting experience, including accessibility at polling stations, areas needing improvement, additional support requirements, and any difficulties you encountered. Your input helps us enhance our services.

Contact us

Email elections@derby.gov.uk, or telephone 01332 640837.

Deaf users can text message 07774 333 412. If you are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can contact us using the online sign language service.

Our postal address is:

Electoral Services
Council House
Corporation Street
Derby
DE1 2FS