Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) blind and (b) partially sighted voters can exercise their right to secret ballot in (i) local and (ii) general elections.

The Government is committed to ensuring blind and partially sighted voters can vote independently. The Government convenes the Accessibility of Elections Working Group to provide a forum and impetus for development amongst organisations with an interest in supporting disabled people to engage in the democratic process. The Elections Act 2022 requires Returning Officers to provide tailored support and equipment at polling stations, and the Government continues to work closely with stakeholder organisations, such as RNIB, Mencap, and the Electoral Commission to promote innovation, improve guidance, and raise awareness of the support available.