RNIB Cymru: blind voters excluded from voting in secret
RNIB Cymru’s Turned Out report reveals that only half of blind and partially sighted voters were satisfied with their voting experience at this year’s General Election. The report also shows that only a quarter of blind people (26 per cent) feel that the current system allows them to vote independently and in secret. The charity is urging the Welsh Government to make upcoming local and Senedd Elections the most accessible yet for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Cymru is currently working with the Welsh Government to identify and test a range of audio and tactile voting options. It is then vital that these solutions are legally required at every polling station in future Welsh elections.
Problems with voting
RNIB Cymru’s Director Ansley Workman (she/her) said: “Blind and partially sighted people have the same right as everyone else to vote independently and in secret. Yet, our research show that they are being denied this right.
“Voting is currently a visual experience, but it doesn’t have to be. There are simple and cost-effective solutions that can make voting more accessible. If audio and tactile solutions were freely available at every polling station in Wales, people with sight loss could finally access their democratic right to vote independently.
“Here in Wales, we have the chance to make sure our upcoming elections are the most accessible yet to blind and partially sighted people. We’re committed to working with Welsh Government to make this happen.”
RNIB Cymru’s report also reveals that two thirds of blind postal voters (68 per cent) and blind people who voted at polling stations (66 per cent) needed assistance from another person to allow them to vote.
Gareth Davies, 50, from Cardiff said: “As someone living with a degenerative eye condition, I know that as I continue to lose my sight, I will also lose my ability to vote alone and in secret in elections. As someone who cares deeply about the world that I live in then this fills me with dread.
“It is just ridiculous that I can live most of my life independently, but I might not be able to have my say in elections. I really hope that Wales can lead the way and make sure everyone has a right to vote.”
Recommendations
RNIB Cymru wants blind and partially sighted people to be able to access information about the election and candidates independently. Then, when voting, they need to be able to - without any assistance:
- Review the candidates on the ballot paper.
- Reliably find and mark their chosen candidate on the official ballot paper.
- Be in sole control of the secrecy of their vote.
Voters with sight loss should be able to do this at every polling station or with a postal vote, by default, without having to notify someone of their requirements in advance.
Access the full report below.