Martin took part in Business Questions in the House of Commons Chamber this morning to raise the issue of accessible voting for blind and partially sighted people.
This follows Martin's attendance at the Royal National Institute of Blind People's (RNIB) recent Parliamentary drop-in event, during which MPs were guided on how best to support constituents with sight loss.
During Business Questions, Martin asked the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell MP, if the government would allocate time to a debate on how blind, partially sighted people and other disabled people are able to exercise their vote.
You can read Martin's contribution, and the minister's reply, below.
Martin Vickers
Earlier this week, along with Members across the House, I attended the drop-in session organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. One of the stands at the session outlined the difficulties that blind and partially sighted people have in exercising their vote on election day. Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on how blind, partially sighted and other disabled people are able to exercise their vote? Much work has been done in recent years, but there is still more to do.
Lucy Powell
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising the accessibility of elections, especially for those with visual impairment or who are blind. It is a really important matter. I know that many of those in this House with disabilities find it difficult to vote here, as well—it gets raised with me often. We have Housing, Communities and Local Government questions coming up next week, and I would encourage the hon. Gentleman to raise this matter then.
