Accessible Voting at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election
As the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday May 7 approaches The Highland Council are ensuring that voting is accessible to all.
Polling stations across the region will be open from 7am to 10pm.
To support disabled voters, polling stations will feature a wide range of physical adjustments and assistive measures, including disabled parking, ramps, wheelchair-accessible booths position for optimal lighting, and seating for individuals who are unable to stand for long periods.
Voters will have access to a variety of assistive aids, including pencil grips, large print copies of the ballot paper, large magnifiers, and tactile voting devices featuring raised numbers and braille.
Polling places will also introduce a new ballot paper overlay linked to an audio recording. Using the overlay and listening to the audio file will allow blind and partially sighted voters to cast their vote independently and in secret.
Voters are also welcome to use their own assistive aids, such as mobile phone apps and video magnifiers, inside the polling booth to cast their vote.
Alternatively, a disabled voter may be assisted by a companion such as a close relative aged 16 or older, or another eligible elector.
Polling Place staff are available and will ensure that an elector is given appropriate assistance in order to be able to cast their vote.
"We are committed to ensuring the democratic process is accessible to all electors across the Highlands," said Returning Officer, Derek Brown.
"By introducing new assistive measures and ensuring polling places are equipped to meet diverse needs, our goal is to ensure voters can cast their ballot independently, secretly, and with confidence."
In the event of an emergency that prevents a voter from attending the polling place, an emergency proxy can be requested until 5pm on polling day.
Full details can be found on The Highland Council website.
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