Your pocket guide to voting in the 2021 Senedd elections

However, we know that many blind and partially sighted people struggle to cast their ballot at polling stations or via postal vote. 

Our Turned Out report found that just one in ten blind voters - and less than half of partially sighted voters - were able to vote independently, and in secret, at the 2019 General Election. Overall, just 46 per cent of blind and partially sighted people are satisfied with their experience of voting.

This year’s election will be different to previous years, as necessary safety measures will be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are aware that many blind and partially sighted people are not sure what to expect and are concerned as to how these precautions will affect their voting experience.

RNIB Cymru has worked with the Electoral Commission to produce a pocket guide to voting, which provides useful tips and advice for blind and partially sighted voters so that they know their rights and what to expect on voting day.

This pocket guide is available in a range of alternative formats, including large print, digital, audio and braille. Please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected] for a physical copy in your preferred format or download the guide as a PDF. Feel free to take the guide with you on polling day as a reference. 

We will continue our work with the Electoral Commission to raise awareness of the barriers faced by blind and partially sighted voters and improve the training of polling station staff. We are also campaigning for improvements to be made to the voting system to make it accessible and inclusive for blind and partially sighted people.