Assistance for voting in May 2024 Police & Crime Commissioner elections

Please see below information received from Shropshire Council's Electoral Services

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Can we help? Will you require support to vote in the May 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections?

All of our polling stations are:

• Wheelchair accessible or provided ramps for those that aren’t.
• Have polling booths adapted specifically for wheelchair users.
• Ballot box slot highlighted for the visually impaired to show where the ballot paper is placed.
• Have large print ballot papers which are clearly displayed inside the polling station and a copy can be given to voters to take with them into the polling booth.
• Have aids to enable blind voters to cast their vote without support (Tactile Voting Device)

Our polling stations will also allow voters with disabilities to use any text-to-speech apps, torch, or magnifier that they have on their phone to assist them in the reading of their ballot papers, even though mobile phones are not generally permitted in the polling stations.

Companions who can provide assistance in the polling station

If you require support in order to complete you're vote then you can bring someone along with you, however if there is no one available then the presiding officer at the polling station is also available to offer that support.

Anyone over the age of 18 can act as a companion to assist you in the polling station. Any companion will be required to complete a declaration by companion to confirm they have assisted an elector in the polling station/voting booth.

There is also the option to arrange a postal vote (where your ballot paper is sent to you in the post 2 weeks before poll) or a proxy vote (where someone votes on your behalf) if you do not wish to vote at a polling station yourself.

If you think we could provide more help and support contact the Election team at [email protected] or call 0345 678 9015 and please let us know.