Information for blind and partially sighted voters for Scottish Parliament election 2021

On Thursday 6 May there will be a Scottish Parliament election, which anyone aged 16 or over can participate in. Everyone should be able to cast their vote independently and with confidence. The Electoral Commission works to help make sure everyone’s voting experience is as easy as possible.

You can click here to download nformation about voting in the Scottish Parliament election in large print and audio. You can also request information in braille by calling 0800 3280 280.

Registering to vote

If you want to have your say in the election, you need to make sure you register to vote by midnight on Monday 19 April. You can register now at gov.uk/registertovote, or call 0800 3280 280 for more information about how to register.

Choosing the voting method that suits you

There are different ways to vote – you can vote in person, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

While things may look slightly different this year due to COVID-19, for those that choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote. You can keep yourself and others safe by: 

· wearing a face covering 

· bringing your own pen or pencil 

· cleaning your hands when entering and leaving the polling station 

· keeping a safe distance.

If you would prefer not to vote in person, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. If you choose to vote by post, you need to make sure you post your application to your local Electoral Registration Office well before the deadline of 5pm on 6 April to make sure it arrives in time. Applications for proxy votes must be submitted by 5pm on 27 April. 

You can find more information and download the application forms at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter.

Support to help you vote at the polling place

There will be options available at your polling place to help you vote, including: 

· A tactile voting device. This is a template designed for people with sight loss, which is fixed onto the ballot paper so that you can mark it yourself. A member of staff will read out the name of the candidates on the ballot papers for you. 

· Large print sample version of the ballot papers. This is displayed in the polling place and a copy will also be available for you to take into the polling booth to help you to mark your ballot papers. 

· Help to cast your vote. You can take a companion with you to help you at the polling place, or you can ask a member of the polling place staff to help you. Your own companion must be 16 or over, and the person helping you can guide you between the entrance, desk, polling booth and ballot box. They can also mark the ballot papers for you in accordance with your instructions.

If you would like more information about accessible voting options at polling places, you can download our guide for blind and partially sighted voters, which was developed in partnership with Sight Scotland, RNIB Scotland and Guide Dogs Scotland.