• The “McGonagle Reader” is being rolled out for the Plaistow South By-Election, September 18
• Allows residents with visual impairment to cast their vote in secret
For many blind or partially sighted residents the simple but profound act of casting a vote in an election is far from easy. An inability to see and read a ballot paper – and then mark a paper – presents a real challenge. This often requires a person to require assistance to mark their preference.
That’s why for the first time Newham the Council is trialling the McGonagle Reader which gives an audio prompt and physical aid to allow voters to choose and mark their own ballot paper without assistance. Typically, blind and partially sighted voters are supported by a polling clerk or companion.
Backed by the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the McGonagle Reader ends the need for the voter to voice their choice to an assistant – and gives the person certainty that the vote has been cast correctly and according to their wish.
Newham Interim Chief Executive Paul Martin, who is the returning officer for the Plaistow South By Election on 18 September said: “It is over 150 years since the notion of a secret ballot was enshrined in British democracy, but for many people with visual impairment the need to require assistance to make their choice, and mark their ballot paper, has denied them this right to anonymity.
“We hope by introducing the McGonagle Reader system at our polling stations, we can restore that right and dignity to voters.”
If you are intending to vote in the Plaistow South By-Election, have a visually impairment, and would like to try the McGonagle Reader, please make yourself known to election staff at the Polling Station. The staff are trained and will talk you through the very simply process of using the system to mark your ballot paper in secrecy.
