Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1996

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1996 would make voting more accessible for people with disabilities by requiring polling stations and vote-counting centres to be wheelchair-friendly where possible, and by providing aids such as Braille templates, clearer print and better lighting for people with visual impairments. It would replace the existing special-voter arrangement with postal voting for people whose illness or disability prevents them from attending a polling station, while protecting the secrecy of their vote. Local authorities would review polling arrangements every five years, invite public views and tell voters about the option of using another polling station where their assigned station is inaccessible.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to revise electoral law relating to voting by disabled voters and to provide for other electoral matters

Last updated 3 August 2023