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Elections (Accessibility for Blind Voters) 2025-01-22
22 January 2025
Lead MP
Julie Minns
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Julie Minns raised concerns about elections (accessibility for blind voters) 2025-01-22 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves to require audio and tactile measures at polling stations for blind voters, calls for a review of postal voting arrangements, and highlights the ongoing issues faced by blind voters despite previous reforms. She cites statistics from Scope's 'Polls Apart' report showing that in 1997, 94% of polling stations were inaccessible to disabled people. The lead MP also shares a local example involving John, who had difficulty casting his vote independently at last year’s general election and resorted to asking the clerk for assistance.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Calls for audio and tactile measures such as tactile overlays placed on top of ballot papers combined with an audio recording, highlighting that these solutions are low-cost and effective. Mentions a UK trial where 93% of participants were able to vote independently and in secret using these methods.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.