Audio ballot papers for voters with a visual impairment
Audio ballot papers are being introduced for the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May.
Blind and partially sighted voters will now be able to use an audio ballot paper and a tactile voting device to vote independently and in secret.
The audio ballot paper reads out each candidate’s name, party, and the number given to each one. Using this number, voters can then use the tactile voting device, which fits over the ballot paper and has raised numbers and flaps to help find the correct box.
This is in addition to the tactile voting devices, magnifiers, and large print ballot papers that are already in place to assist anyone with a visual impairment.
Voters will be able to scan a QR code at the polling station, with help from polling staff, which takes them to the audio ballot recordings on the North Ayrshire Council website. The audio description is also available to listen to in advance of polling day on the North Ayrshire Council website via the links below.
For anyone who is unable to use the digital option, election staff will be available to assist and can read the ballot papers.
Published April 17, 2026
