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Accessibility checklist for polling stations

All individuals, including disabled voters, have the right to convenient access when they visit polling stations, free from obstacles that could hinder their ability to vote. These obstacles may manifest as physical challenges, such as steps, insufficient signage, the absence of accessible toilets, and difficulties with building entrances and exits. This article delves into important accessibility factors for voting personnel, encompassing temporary solutions like ramps.

When it comes to accessibility outside the polling station, important factors to consider include:

Disabled parking spots

Reserve parking spots for disabled voters.

Ensure that designated disabled parking spaces are conspicuously marked and routinely monitored throughout the day to ensure they are being utilised as intended. It's important to remember that disabilities may not always be visible.

Inspect the area to ensure there are no obstacles or dangers between the parking spaces and the entrance of the polling station. In cases where on-site parking is not available, you can provide guidance to disabled voters regarding the closest parking facilities.

Signage

A prominent, easily recognisable sign should be in place to clearly indicate the polling station.

polling station signage

If the main entrance does not have accessible access, please ensure that clear and visible directions are provided to guide individuals to the accessible entrance.

Entrances

Frequently, the necessity for wheelchair accessibility arises when addressing a steep incline to enable easy entry for disabled voters. Temporary ramps are available for rent to provide short-term accessibility solutions. These ramps should be durable and capable of accommodating fluctuating levels of pedestrian traffic while featuring a gentle slope. >Request A Quick Ramp Quote<

Election Ramp Case Study: St Mary’s Llanvair Discoed Church

When it comes to heavy doors, individuals with mobility challenges might encounter difficulties when attempting to open them. To address this issue, a doorstop can be employed to hold the door in an open position.

Make sure that doormats are level with the floor. If there are any loose mats that could potentially cause tripping, promptly remove them.

Outside Lighting

Adequate outdoor lighting is crucial for all individuals, particularly those with visual impairments, as the quality of lighting plays a significant role in many people's ability to read and write. It's essential to ensure well-illuminated entrances, particularly for voters arriving in the evening.

Regarding accessibility within the polling station, key factors to take into account include:

Interior Layout

Polling station staff should set up the station in a matter that the voter can move smoothly through the process, especially if there is limited space within which to work.

The ballot box(es) must be accessible to all (including voters in wheelchairs) and be located, so they are secure throughout the day.

Each polling station should have low-level polling booths to enable voters in wheelchairs to comfortably and confidentially cast their votes.

Placing a white strip around the ballot box(es) slot assists individuals with visual impairments in locating the opening more easily.

Voting Material

Within the polling station, prominently display large-print versions of the ballot papers to aid voters who are blind or partially sighted. Position them in a suitable location to ensure they are easily visible to those who require assistance in marking their ballot papers.

Legislation requires enlarged hand-held copies of the ballot papers, marked as ‘sample’, to be available to anyone who needs them. This can be given to voters to take into the polling booth with them. If these are laminated, it helps to prevent them from getting torn or dirty.

It is a legal requirement to provide a tactile voting device at every polling station. The tactile template is a device that allows someone who is blind or partially sighted to mark the ballot papers themselves once the details on the ballot papers have been read out, either by their companion or by the Presiding Officer.

Indoor lighting

Good lighting, both in the polling booth and where large-print versions of the ballot papers are displayed, is vital for all voters.

Disabled Toilets

A restroom that is accessible for disabled voters should be provided. In cases where permanent facilities are not present at the location, a temporary portable toilet can be set up, often requiring the addition of a ramp to address any threshold height.

Seating

Chairs can provide assistance to voters with mobility issues who require a place to rest.

Resource - To access the complete list of considerations, please download the Election Commission's PDF titled 'Setting Up a Polling Station.'

Ramp Rental

Temporary Rapid Ramp & steps are available for long and short-term hire.

The advantages of ramp rental encompass the following:
Speedy service and construction.
Systems are disassembled promptly on the day following the election, hassle-free.
No need for groundwork for the products.
Site surveys can be coordinated upon request.
Each quotation includes internally generated CAD drawings.
Ramp rental services are accessible throughout the UK and Ireland.
Crafted from high-quality galvanised steel, which is fire-resistant. In comparison, wooden ramps can catch fire when exposed to flames.
The platforms boast a robust loading capacity of 1,000kgs, making them suitable for accommodating high levels of public foot traffic, wheelchairs, strollers, mobility scooters, and carts safely.