Ballot Paper Template for Voters who are Blind or Vision Impaired

A Ballot Paper Template (BPT) is a transparent plastic device that is placed on top of a ballot paper. It has a number of tactile features to facilitate the independent marking of a ballot paper by a voter who is blind or vision impaired. The template consists of raised numbering and corresponding braille. This assists the voter in identifying the openings on the template that correspond to the voter preference boxes for the candidates on the ballot paper, which lies beneath.

Visually impaired voters can use a BPT to mark their ballot paper without assistance if they wish. BPTs will be available at each polling station.

The BPT works in conjunction with a ‘Freephone – 1800’ number that informs the listener of the candidates corresponding to the numbers on the BPT. Based on this interaction between the tactile features of the BPT and the information provided on the Freephone number, the voter can then mark the ballot paper with their voting preferences (1,2,3 etc.). The BPT also has a flap corresponding to each voting choice that can be securely closed once a voting preference has been completed. Once the voter has completed the process, the ballot paper is detached from the template and placed in the ballot box in the usual way.

The Freephone number for voters intending to use the template at the Presidential election will be available on this webpage in advance of the election on Friday 24 October.