Report on the 2024 UK Parliamentary general election and the May 2024 elections published
The Electoral Commission’s report on the 2024 UK parliamentary general election recommends increased awareness of accessibility support at polling stations
Following the general election, the Electoral Commission carried out research with voters, candidates and campaigners, and electoral administrators to understand their experiences at the poll. Our findings show that, while the election was well run and the vast majority of voters were able to take part, more needs to be done to improve awareness of the support available at the polling station, particularly for those with accessibility needs. Almost all (96%) disabled voters in our survey said it was easy to get inside the polling station and vote, but only 49% agreed that the equipment, information and support that they need to vote is available.
Based on findings from voters and electoral administrators, our post-poll report highlights ways to improve the experience and information available to voters:
- There should be online and offline information that explains the support available to voters, including making clear what support voters can expect in polling stations, and how they can request additional equipment or support.
- This information should be provided on poll cards and local authority websites in a timely manner in advance of the election, and should be provided to voters in polling stations. We will look at whether our guidance for Returning Officers needs to be more specific or clearer about how to provide this information.
- The Commission will explore whether the Election Information tool we run with Democracy Club could be used to provide information for voters about the support they can access at their own local polling station.
- We will continue to raise awareness among voters. This includes working with the UK’s governments, local authorities, and partners such as yourselves, as well as the media.
Ends
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