Dear Editor,
Like many, I’ll be voting in the local elections on May 7 – but, as someone with sight loss, I know from experience that doing so independently and in secret is far from guaranteed.
Voting is still an overwhelmingly visual process of reviewing a list and marking a cross in a box.
Without the right equipment, many blind and partially sighted people are forced to rely on others to mark our ballot in the way we wish, compromising our privacy and dignity.
That simply isn’t good enough in a modern democracy.
At the 2024 General Election, only a quarter of blind people said that the current system allowed them to vote independently and in secret.
What many people with sight loss don’t realise is that we have rights.
Under equality law, local authorities have a duty to make reasonable adjustments so disabled voters can cast their vote as independently as possible.
This can include accessible information, tactile aids, and audio voting equipment.
Yet too often, these adjustments either aren’t available or aren’t communicated to blind voters as an option clearly in advance.
That’s why I’m urging two groups to take action:
First, if you have sight loss: in advance of elections, contact your local council before polling day to ask what support will be available and request any adjustments you need.
You shouldn’t have to struggle in silence.
Tried and tested solutions with both audio and tactile elements do exist that enable us to independently review the information on the ballot paper and then mark our vote for our chosen candidate.
Second, I’m calling on local authorities to step up.
Make accessibility a priority by providing audio and tactile voting equipment, ensuring polling station staff are prepared, and clearly communicating what support is available.
The solutions exist – what’s needed now is commitment.
A truly fair election is one where everyone can vote independently and with confidence.
On May 7, blind and partially sighted voters deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Anna Tylor
Chair of Trustees at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Share