VOTERS with a disability are reminded there should be no barriers to them casting their vote this Thursday (May 7).

The Electoral Commission is reminding voters that they are entitled to various assistance to enable them to make their voices heard in the election.

This includes help to mark the ballot paper, which can include asking the presiding officer at the polling station to mark the ballot paper for them, or bringing a close family member or carer to help - as long as they are eligible to vote themselves.

A large print version of the ballot paper should also be available for reference, and all polling stations should be accessible by wheelchair users and those with a physical disability.

If a voter can’t enter the polling station because of a physical disability, the Presiding Officer may take the ballot paper to the elector.

This year, in addition to the Commission’s own public information line (0333 103 1928), the first dedicated helpline for anyone with a learning disability who has questions about casting their vote, or experiences any difficulties in doing so, has been set up by Mencap, a partner of the Electoral Commission.

The helpline is also available to the families and carers of people with learning disabilities and polling station staff, and can be contacted on 020 7696 5588.

For information on your local electoral services team visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.