Making Every Vote Count: Improving Polling Station Accessibility in Hounslow
We are reviewing the accessibility of polling stations in Hounslow to ensure that all residents can vote independently and secretly. We want to hear views about voting experiences and how we can improve support for voters with disabilities..
Who do we want to hear from?
We want to hear view from voters with disabilities, carers, family members, support workers, and professionals with experience in accessibility, as well as anyone interested in improving voting accessibility in Hounslow.
The survey takes approximately 2 minutes to complete.
You can also visit an interactive polling station on 25th March 2025. Please see below for more details.
Background
All voters have the right to vote independently and secretly. Polling stations in Hounslow have a range of support and equipment to ensure accessibility for all. We are currently reviewing our offer of support and would appreciate your feedback.
Our polling stations currently have:
Ramps where required, to ensure wheelchair accessibility
Adapted polling booths suitable for wheelchair users
Large print ballot paper(s) that can be taken into the polling booth
Tactile voting devices to assist blind and partially sighted voters to assist in marking the ballot paper independently
Pencil grips to attach to the ballot pencil to assist when marking the ballot paper
Magnifiers for reading notices or marking the ballot paper
Friendly and helpful polling station staff to provide support and assistance
Voters with disabilities can use a text-to-speech app on their phone, a torch or a magnifier to assist them with reading or marking their ballot paper. Alternatively, a voter may choose anyone over the age of 18 to accompany them in the polling station to help them vote or may request the help of a member of staff at the polling station.
How Can You Get Involved?
Come to our accessible voting event
We are excited to invite Hounslow residents to come to our pop-up polling station event, to see how we help people vote independently and tell us about any improvements you would like to see.
- Date: Tuesday 25 March 2025
- Time: 2pm- 5pm.
- Location: Feltham Assembly Hall, 25 Hounslow Road, Feltham, TW14 9DN
A British Sign Language translator will be present for the duration of the event.
At the event, you’ll be able to see the equipment we currently have available and other options which could be implemented. You’ll also have the chance to suggest any additional improvements and share you experience of voting in Hounslow.
Complete the Survey
If you cannot attend the event, you can still have your say by completing our survey below. The survey will close on 18 April.
Paper copies of all consultations and surveys are available in your local library.
If you need a paper copy, large print or Easy Read version or require a translation, please email engage@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 2000.
For all other queries contact us on Email: elections@hounslow.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8583 2828
