Additional assistance for Walsall voters in the 2026 Local Elections

New for 2026

New accessibility measures are being introduced for the 2026 Local Elections to further improve access and ensure more residents can vote independently and with confidence. 

These include audio ballot papers and a live British Sign Language (BSL) translation of postal voting instructions and key polling station information

Voters will be able to access the BSL translation service via a live Microsoft Teams video link, connecting them with a qualified interpreter to support communication with polling station staff. 

Further information is available at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/voting-and-elections

These new measures build on a range of established support already in place across polling stations to assist voters with different access needs.

 This includes large print reference ballot papers, magnifiers, additional lighting, tactile voting devices, and ‘Here to Help’ badges worn by staff.

Information about the support measures available has been shared with Walsall Residents through household canvass communications issued in summer 2025, and reinforced in February household notification letters. 

Residents who may require additional assistance are encouraged to contact the Electoral Services team in advance of polling day to discuss their needs on 01922 652502 or by emailing electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk.

Accessing the polling station

Polling stations across the borough are assessed in advance to help ensure they are as accessible as possible for all residents voting in person. 

To support accessibility, temporary ramps are available where step-free access is not in place, and assistance dogs are welcome in all polling stations.

Support within the polling station

Support is available within polling stations for residents who may need assistance during the voting process, with trained staff on hand throughout the day. 

This includes:
• Staff wearing ‘Here to Help’ badges so they can be easily identified
• Seating available for those who may have difficulty standing
• Wheelchair-accessible compartments in all polling booths
• Large print sample ballot papers displayed for reference
• The option to be accompanied by a companion aged 18 or over (a form must be completed on the day)
• The option for the Presiding Officer to assist with voting

All staff are legally bound by the Requirement for Secrecy, ensuring that every vote remains confidential.

Equipment available to voters

A range of equipment is available at polling stations to support voters in completing their ballot paper, and residents are encouraged to ask staff if anything is not immediately visible at the check-in desk. 

Available equipment includes enlarged handheld copies of the ballot paper, tactile voting devices, card-sized magnifiers and pencil grips.

Additional equipment can also be arranged in advance, where reasonable and requested in good time. 

This may include braille copies of the ballot paper and translated voting instructions.

Voters are also welcome to use their own accessibility tools, including mobile phone apps such as text-to-speech or magnifiers. Voters should inform the polling staff that they intend to use these devices as mobile phones are generally prohibited in the station

Other ways to vote

Residents who are unable or prefer not to attend a polling station in person can choose alternative voting methods, depending on their circumstances. 

Residents can choose to vote by postal vote, which allows them to complete and return their ballot paper by post ahead of polling day. Applications can be made online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

Alternatively, residents can apply for a proxy vote, which allows a trusted person to vote on their behalf. Applications for a proxy vote can be made online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote. Deadline to register: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. 

Further support

Residents who would like to request specific equipment or discuss their needs ahead of polling day can contact Walsall Council’s Electoral Services team on 01922 652502, or electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk.