An interview with Ian Gledhill, Electoral Outreach Officer
Voting is a fundamental right, but for many people with disabilities, the process of registering, attending a polling station, and casting a vote independently and in secret has not always been straightforward. Changes introduced through the Elections Act 2022 are now placing accessibility at the heart of the voting process, and in Calderdale, significant work is underway to turn those legal requirements into real, practical improvements.
We spoke to Ian Gledhill, Calderdale’s Electoral Outreach Officer at Calderdale Council, to find out what has changed, what support is now available, and how people with disabilities can shape future improvements through feedback and engagement.
Accessibility requirements have changed
Ian explains that accessibility has been a part of Electoral Law for some time but in a more limited way. Polling stations have provided items such as magnifying sheets, large-print ballot papers, pencil grips for people with dexterity issues, and tactile voting devices. While well intentioned, these tools were not always effective or appropriate for everyone.
“The changes brought in under the Elections Act 2022 mean that accessibility requirements are more robust” Ian says. “There’s now a much stronger responsibility on us to make sure people can vote independently and in secret wherever possible.”
This shift has prompted a comprehensive review of how elections are delivered across Calderdale – from digital information and registration processes, right through to what happens inside the polling station on election day.
Clearer information before election day
One of the biggest barriers people report is not knowing what to expect. The voting process can feel intimidating, particularly for first-time voters or people who have had negative experiences in the past.
To address this, Calderdale Council is updating its elections webpages to make them more accessible and easier to navigate. Alongside this, a new reasonable adjustments request form is being introduced. This will allow people to request support at any stage of the process – whether that’s help registering to vote, applying for voter ID, arranging postal voting, or requesting specific adjustments at a polling station.
The existing “polling station passport”, originally developed mainly for people with learning disabilities, is also being expanded. The aim is to make it relevant to a much wider range of people, reflecting the diversity of disabilities and access needs across the borough.
Outreach in the community
Accessibility doesn’t stop at online forms. Ian and his colleagues are running outreach sessions in libraries, markets, schools, colleges and community venues across Calderdale. These sessions provide hands-on support with registration and applications, as well as the opportunity to talk through the voting process in a relaxed, supportive environment.
“Going into a polling station can be daunting,” Ian explains. “Once people understand how it works, that fear often disappears. Our job is about giving people information and confidence.”
What’s changing inside polling stations
On election day itself, polling station staff will have enhanced training focused on accessibility and communication. Staff will be encouraged to display available support clearly, making it easier for voters to see what help is on offer.
Signage has been redesigned with improved colour contrast, and guidance has been developed to help staff communicate effectively with people who have sight loss, hearing loss, learning disabilities or dementia.
New technology for voters with sight loss
One of the most significant developments is the introduction of the McGonagall Reader, a device designed to support blind and partially sighted voters.
The reader sits over the ballot paper and uses audio to read out the content. Voters can listen to the entire ballot or navigate through individual sections using buttons. With headphones, this allows people to make their choices privately, without needing another person to read the ballot to them.
“For many people with sight loss, postal voting has been the default option,” Ian says. “But that doesn’t always mean voting in secret. This technology is a real step forward in allowing people to vote independently.”
Using your own support
Another important change is a clearer message that voters are allowed to use their own assistive technology. If someone uses text-to-speech software, screen magnifiers, or other accessibility tools on their phone or tablet, they are permitted to use these in the polling station.
“There’s been a perception that personal devices aren’t allowed,” Ian explains. “That barrier shouldn’t exist. If it helps you vote, you should be able to use it.”
Voters can also bring a companion or support person with them if they wish.
Supporting Deaf voters and BSL users
British Sign Language interpreters are not routinely present at polling stations, largely due to cost and logistics. The polling station passport and reasonable adjustments request form will include the ability for electors to specify that they would like to access their on-demand video interpreting services for BSL.
Staff training also emphasises the basics of clear communication: making eye contact, speaking clearly (not shouting), and being patient. Written signage is being expanded to include several commonly used languages, helping to reduce barriers for people whose first language is not English.
If someone has specific communication needs, they are encouraged to make a request in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be explored.
Physical access and getting into the building
Physical accessibility remains one of the most challenging areas, particularly in older buildings. Calderdale has carried out a recent review of polling stations, prioritising accessible venues wherever possible.
Every polling station will now have a clearly visible external doorbell, allowing voters to alert staff if they need assistance. Where necessary, staff can bring the ballot paper and ballot box outside the building.
“We know that ‘wheelchair accessible’ can mean very different things,” Ian acknowledges. “We’re not pretending every building is perfect, but we are committed to working with individuals to find solutions.”
Elections are changing – and so is voting
Upcoming local elections will also bring changes to how votes are cast, due to ward boundary changes in Calderdale. Voters may be able to vote for up to three councillors, and ballot papers may include many more candidates than before.
“This could easily catch people out,” Ian says. “That’s why communication is so important. If people know what to expect, they’re far less likely to feel confused or overwhelmed.”
Meeting candidates and giving feedback
In partnership with local organisations, Calderdale is also supporting “Meet Your Candidates” events, giving people with disabilities the chance to speak directly to candidates and ask questions before election day.
Crucially, Ian stresses that accessibility work is not a one-off exercise.
“This is about continuous improvement,” he says. “The more people tell us what works and what doesn’t, the better we can make the system.”