Highland Council to trial ballot paper overlay to make voting more accessible
Highland Council is to trial a new tactile aid, called a ballot paper overlay, for upcoming by elections in Cromarty Firth and Skye.
The council cited a recent survey of blind and partially sighted people, claiming only a quarter feel that the current system allows them to vote independently and in secret.
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The overlay is a cardboard template which is placed over a ballot paper.
The overlay has cut out areas which match up with the voting boxes on the ballot paper. There are braille and embossed areas next to each voting box which help the user find their way around the ballot paper and can be separated from the ballot paper after voting, to maintain secrecy.
When used alongside an audio reading of the ballot paper, the council said the overlay can act as a self-service solution for blind and partially sighted voters to vote independently and in secret.
Returning Officer Derek Brown said: “I am delighted that we will be trialling the ballot paper overlay when voters in Wards 6 and 10 go to the polls on Thursday, June 19.
“When everyone can cast their vote freely and confidently, we all move closer to a fairer, more representative society. Accessible voting isn't just a right — it's a powerful reminder that every person matters, and every vote shapes the future we share."
The council is trialling the aid in advance of next year’s Scottish Parliament elections to raise awareness and provide voter feedback.
Other aids available in polling stations include magnifiers and large print ballot paper copies with staff on hand to support voters too.
