The “McGonagle Reader” is being rolled out across the borough for the first time for the 7 May local elections for councillors and Mayor of Newham.
· Allows residents with a 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 in Newham, the Council are introducing the McGonagle Reader at many Polling Stations. It gives the voter an audio prompt and physical aid to choose and mark their own ballot paper without assistance. Research carried out by Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) at the 2024 General Election found that two thirds (66 per cent) of blind people who voted at a polling station had assistance from either a companion or member of polling station staff. Backed by RNIB, the McGonagle Reader ends the need for the voter to voice their choice to an assistant; giving the person certainty that the vote has been cast correctly and according to their wish.
Newham’s Interim Chief Executive, Paul Martin, who is the returning officer for the local elections on 7 May, said: “It is over 150 years since the notion of a secret ballot was enshrined in British democracy, but for many people with a visual impairment the need to require assistance to make their choice, and mark their ballot paper, has denied them this right to vote in secret.
“We hope by introducing the McGonagle Reader system at our polling stations, we can restore that right and dignity to voters.” Residents: https://www.newham.gov.uk/messagefromthechiefexecutive
In a preview of the reader, we invited three visually impaired or blind Newham residents to try it out and they gave their verdicts. http://www.newham.gov.uk/residents
Tahira said: “I think it’s a brilliant thing, now I know I can go and vote on my own.”
Sam added: “It’s fantastic because it now means that I can vote confidently, independently and discreetly as a registered blind person”
And Christine told us: “Initially I was hesitant, thinking gosh it’s going to be so complicated…(but) it’s easy-peasy. Fantastic. It gave me so much confidence and I’m so grateful for it.”
If you are intending to vote on 7 May, are blind or partially sighted, and would like to try the McGonagle Reader, register at: Newham.gov.uk/accessiblevoting
