Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Polling Stations: Blind and Visually Impaired Voters

Thursday 18 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Commission will review May 2026 polls this autumn to assess polling station provision for blind and visually impaired voters.
  • Tactile devices were found to be present in every polling station during the review.
  • Improving communication about accessible adjustments at polling stations is deemed essential.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Julie Minns Lab Carlisle
Democracy & Elections
Context

A recent survey by the Royal National Institute of Blind People indicated that 73% of people who are blind or visually impaired did not know about accessibility adjustments available at polling stations. Julie Minns has tabled an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill.

Question

What recent assessment has the commission made of the adequacy of polling station provision for blind and visually impaired voters? Responses to a survey by RNIB showed that 73% of respondents were unaware of adjustments available. I have tabled an amendment requiring these adjustments. Could the commission do more ahead of next elections to ensure independent voting?

Answer from Jeremy Wright

The commission will review the May 2026 polls this autumn. It is crucial that equipment is available, and tactile devices have been found by the commission to be present in every polling station. Communication of information about these adjustments needs improvement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on immediate steps before next elections other than future review

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Q2 Julie Minns Lab Carlisle
Democracy & Elections
Context

A recent survey by the Royal National Institute of Blind People indicated that 73% of people who are blind or visually impaired did not know about accessibility adjustments available at polling stations. Julie Minns has tabled an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill.

Question

Responses to a RNIB survey showed that 73% of blind and visually impaired voters were unaware of accessible support at polling stations. I have proposed requiring these adjustments in my amendment to the Representation of the People Bill. Could the commission provide more clarity on accessibility ahead of next elections?

Answer from Jeremy Wright

The commission will review May 2026 polls in autumn. Equipment availability is crucial, tactile devices were present at every polling station. Improving communication about these adjustments is essential.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on immediate steps before next elections other than future review

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Parliamentary Procedure Mental Health Local Government
Context

The RNIB has raised concerns about access issues in Northern Ireland, specifically that some polling stations require individuals with blue badges to park outside and walk in.

Question

RNIB contacted me regarding an issue where individuals with blue badges are not allowed to drive into certain Northern Ireland polling stations. This hinders accessibility for those with disabilities. Could the commission consider allowing blue badge holders to drive directly into polling stations?

Answer from Jeremy Wright

I will make sure the commission hears what you have said. Judgments on these things often rest with returning officers, but access is important. The commission will consider this point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to change policy or mandate immediate action

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