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The Electoral Commission is seeking views on the support available to disabled people at polling stations. 

Changes were introduced in 2022 to improve flexibility and choice in how disabled people are supported to vote at polling stations. The changes mean councils are now required to provide equipment in polling stations to help people vote independently and in secret, and to allow anyone who is over the age of 18 to act as a companion to assist a disabled voter.

The Commission’s role is to provide guidance for electoral administrators on how to provide this support at polling stations. The Commission has looked at how the changes have worked to date and engaged with a range of organisations representing disabled people. Ahead of elections in May 2026, it has reviewed and updated its guidance, and is now seeking feedback on these changes through a consultation, which opens today and runs until 26 October. 

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said:

“Everyone should be able to vote in secret and without barriers. 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. 

“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.”

More information about the consultation and how to respond is available on the Commission website, including in easy read and BSL formats. 

The Commission expects to publish its updated guidance ahead of the Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections and English local elections taking place in May 2026.

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk (Opens in new window).

Notes to Editors

• The Elections Act 2022introduced measures to provide greater flexibility and choice in how disabled voters are supported to vote at polling stations. 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 Scottish and Welsh governments have introduced legislation to align these provisions across the UK from the May 2026 Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections.
• The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
  • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
  • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
  • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency
• The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Welsh and Scottish parliaments.
• Our accessibility guidance was originally published in advance of the May 2023 elections, to reflect the provisions of the UK Elections Act 2022.