Electoral Commission publishes updated guidance on improving support for disabled people in May 2026 elections

Under the new guidance, the range of equipment and measures which could be useful in supporting voters at polling stations has been expanded to include the British Sign Language (BSL) Video Relay interpreting service.

Training for polling station staff on the 'see a mask, wear a mask' protocol to support clinically vulnerable voters will also take place.

Meanwhile, those with hidden disabilities - including immunosuppressed people and those with post-viral complications such as long Covid - will receive “strengthened advice”.

The guidance calls for expanded advice to help election staff contact disabled voters before polling day so “relevant support can be provided”. This includes information in accessible formats, promoting awareness of what assistance is available and what to expect at polling stations.

For the first time, the guidance will apply to Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections, alongside its existing use at local elections in England, local and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland, and general elections in the UK.

The Electoral Commission has also published examples of successful approaches taken by Returning Officers to support disabled voters, such as engagement with local disability groups and implementing a pre-elections communication strategy.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: “It’s important that everyone can vote in secret and without barriers at the elections taking place across the UK next May. The Commission’s updated guidance is intended to help electoral staff make polling stations more accessible, improving the support that is already available so disabled people can vote independently.” 

“Voters, electoral staff and disability groups highlighted the specific needs of people who are clinically vulnerable or have hidden disabilities. As a result, we’ve made several changes to the guidance to ensure their needs are clearly recognised and planned for ahead of next year’s polls.” 

Lottie Winson