Polling station staff can also provide aids such as the following to help voters:

  • QR code audio ballot papers
  • Large print versions of ballot papers to view
  • Visual aids
  • Large pencils
  • Pencil grips to attach to pens or pencils when marking the ballot paper
  • Magnifiers, to enable an elector to magnify any part of the ballot paper
  • Tactile voting devices, to enable blind voters to mark their ballot papers independently. 

You may use any specialist equipment or apps in the polling station that assist you to cast your vote independently. For example, speech apps or torch video magnifiers to assist you reading the ballot paper.

 

Further support in the polling station

You can bring a companion with you to assist you when you vote but they must be over 16 years old on polling day.  

If you need support in the polling station, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help. All polling station staff will be trained to make sure they have a better understanding of voters’ needs in Carmarthenshire. 

What other people can do:

  • Assist you moving around the polling station
  • Read out the candidates’ names and parties on the ballot paper in order
  • Explain the voting options to you
  • Use their knowledge of your communication methods to understand who you want to vote for
  • Come into the polling booth with you
  • Mark the ballot paper with your decision if you permit them to do so

What other people cannot do:

  • Make decisions for you about who you should vote for
  • Mark the ballot paper against your wishes
  • Stop you from voting because you have a disability or require additional support.

 

Postal or Proxy Voting Forms

If you are unable to make it to a polling station to vote on election day you can:

  • Vote by post or 
  • Appoint a proxy.  Voters with a disability can have a permanent proxy vote (this is where you nominate someone to vote on your behalf at your polling station).

Guidance and application forms for Postal Voting and Proxy Voting are available to download from the Electoral Commission website or by contacting Electoral Services via email at ElectoralServices@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01267 228889.

 

Requesting additional support

If you are a disabled voter and require additional support which is not listed, you can contact Electoral Services via email ElectoralServices@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01267 228889 to see how else we can help.

 

Polling Station information card

A Polling Station information card is a form you can fill in before you go to the polling station. You can send it to us by post or email before polling day or take it with you to the polling station and hand it to the staff when you arrive.  

It will help polling station staff understand any support or reasonable adjustments you might need to help you vote.

You can request a Polling Station information card, by contacting Electoral Services via email ElectoralServices@carmarthenshire.gov.uk , by phone on 01267 228889 or by downloading the information card.

Download Polling Station information Card