Council reminds residents of accessible voting support available ahead of next week’s local elections

April 30, 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is providing information to help voters understand what to expect on polling day and the support available at polling stations. This includes ongoing work to ensure elections are accessible, including for residents with learning disabilities.

As part of this work, the council has partnered with Project 49, a Southend based service run by Southend Care Ltd that provides day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

The partnership forms part of the national Promote the Vote movement, which supports people with learning disabilities to understand the voting process and the practical steps involved.

Over the last year, this work has included practical sessions explaining how elections work, what happens at polling stations and what support is available. This included opportunities to see and experience a polling station set up, helping to familiarise participants with the environment and process ahead of polling day.

Participants have also taken part in a mock hustings and mock election, giving them the opportunity to experience the voting process in a familiar and supportive environment.

More recently, drop in sessions held earlier this year focused on preparing people for the May local elections. Attendees were supported to complete practical steps such as registering to vote and preparing voting passports.

Voting passports can be taken to polling stations to help staff understand what reasonable adjustments may be helpful on the day.

This work was complemented by an information session for parents and carers, which explained available voting options and how best to support individuals on polling day.

For the May elections, two people with learning disabilities will also take up roles within the electoral process.

Polling day information

Polling stations will be open on Thursday 7 May

Voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID

Support is available at polling stations, including reasonable adjustments on request

Information about accessible voting arrangements, including easy read guides, polling station support and the use of voting passports, is available on the council’s Accessibility for elections webpage.

Southend-on-Sea City Council Returning Officer and Chief Executive, Colin Ansell, said: “As polling day approaches, our priority is to ensure voters have clear information about polling arrangements and the support available at polling stations.

“Our role is to ensure elections are administered fairly and accessibly, and that voters understand what support is available to help them take part in the voting process.”

Residents who require assistance or further information can contact the council’s Electoral Services team on 01702 215010 or by emailing elections@southend.gov.uk.

More information about voting is available at www.southend.gov.uk/elections