55.This section is designed to make it easier for those with disabilities to cast votes. It does this by amending the parliamentary elections rules contained in Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983.
56.New rule 29(3A) of the parliamentary elections rules provides that a returning officer must display a large print version of the ballot paper in each polling station and provide a device (the form of which will be prescribed in regulations) to assist blind and partially-sighted voters.
57.Blind voters are currently entitled to be assisted to cast their vote by a companion. New rule 39 of the parliamentary elections rules extends this facility to those with other physical disabilities or who are unable to read. The existing procedures and criteria as to who may be a companion are applied, though in future a declaration that a person falls into one of the categories of people who may be assisted by a companion may be made either orally or in writing.
Commentary on Sections Section 13: Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities