Accessibility for elections
We are working hard to make our elections more accessible. This page shows what arrangements we have in place.
British Sign Language videos - guidance on voting
The Electoral Commission have made a series of videos on YouTube for British Sign Language (BSL) users:
- registering to vote
- which form of ID can I use to vote?
- applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
- what will happen at the polling station
- deciding the best way to vote
- voting by post
- voting by proxy
- what is voting?
The videos will refer to the 2022 and 2023 elections deadlines. For more information on current election deadlines, please contact us or visit our election homepage.
My Vote My Voice Campaign
The My Vote My Voice website has Easy Read guides for voting.
Polling Stations
All polling station staff are identifiable by wearing badges. If you have a question or need help, you can ask a member of staff to assist you.
There are no designated quiet times in polling stations. However, there are peak times where polling stations tend to be busier. For example, before work or school, during lunch breaks, after school pick up, and after work. The peak times tend to be between:
- 7am and 9am
- 12 and 2pm
- 3.30pm and 6pm
You can watch our video on what to expect at polling stations to prepare you for voting.
What is available in polling stations
- chairs/seating
- magnifiers
- additional lighting
- tactile voting device
- audio ballot paper with a scannable QR code
- polling booth at wheelchair level
- ramps (for any buildings with steps)
- a privacy screen to show your photo ID in private upon request
- a large print sample copy of the ballot paper
- we have hearing loops available in some polling stations, if you need a hearing loop, please call or email us before the election day
- pencils and pencil grips - (you can also bring your own)
If you need support that is not listed, please contact us.
You can find details of your polling station on your polling card or by searching on the Where Do I Vote? website.
Assistance with voting in a polling station
You can use any specialist devices or apps in the polling station that assist you to cast your vote independently. For example, speech apps, video magnifiers.
You can take your assistance animal with you in the polling station.
You can bring a companion with you to help you cast your vote. The companion must be 18 years old or over. They do not need to be registered to vote. A companion can only assist up to two people at the same election. The Presiding officer will need to fill in a form where the companion must sign a simple declaration.
You can also ask the Presiding Officer for assistance, including to read out the candidates, or help you mark the ballot paper. All polling station staff are politically neutral and are there to help you.
Photo ID
On polling day, you need to bring an accepted form of Photo ID with you to the polling station to vote.
More information on what forms of photo ID are acceptable can be found on our photo ID page. You can bring one of the forms of ID listed even if it has expired.
If you do not have a photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). You can apply online by visiting the GOV.UK website or contact us to book an appointment for us to support you to fill in an application at the Civic Centre.
If you are part of a community group or organisation that would be interested in hosting a drop-in session for members to apply for a VAC and/or to register to vote, please email our engagement officer at elections@southend.gov.uk.
Voter Passport
The Voter Passport is an A4 sheet of paper that you can hand to polling station staff to help them understand any reasonable adjustments you need to vote.
You do not need to bring a Voter Passport with you to vote, it is only there to help support you.
To get your copy of the polling station passport, please call or email us and we will send you a copy.
Postal Vote
You can receive your ballot paper by post if you do not want to go in person to a polling station. You can apply for a postal vote:
- online by visiting the GOV.UK website
- request a paper form be sent to your address
- or book an appointment to complete the form with a member of staff at the Civic Centre
As part of the postal vote application form, you will be asked to provide a signature. If you cannot provide a consistent signature for a postal vote, you can apply for a signature waiver.
Instructions are included in the postal voting packs on how to vote by post. You can watch our demonstration video on how to complete a postal vote.
The postal voting pack comes with a return envelope. You can return your completed postal pack by post, hand it in to reception at the Civic Centre, or hand it in to a polling station on polling day.
Proxy Vote
All electors are entitled to a proxy vote at a particular election. A proxy vote is when you get someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You should not be asked or told to appoint someone as a proxy voter. It is your choice alone and you should only appoint someone you trust.
You can apply for a proxy vote:
- online by visiting the GOV.UK website
- request a paper form be sent to your address
- or book an appointment to complete the form with a member of staff at the Civic Centre
You can apply for an ongoing proxy under specific circumstances such as blindness or other disabilities. Please contact us to provide you with the specific form as it is not one that can be completed online. You will need to get your form attested by someone such as a medical professional if you are applying due to a disability.
Contact details
Please contact us if you have any feedback, questions or suggestions on making our elections more accessible.
Email: elections@southend.gov.uk or phone: 01702 215010