Polling station review to examine accessibility

Disabled voters are being urged to join a city-wide review of York's polling stations to see if it can be made easier for them to cast their ballots.

The call is part of City of York Council's overall review of polling district boundaries and how accessible its 98 polling stations are.

Council leader Claire Douglassaid: "With boundary changes made this summer and alongside our constant review of polling stations, your opinions on our proposals are important and valued - especially those of disabled residents."

The proposals include finding an alternative polling station in Knapton, where people currently cast their votes at a mobile unit in the car park of The Knapton Lion.

A council spokesperson said the proposed changes to some polling districts and some of the city's polling stations follow changes to the boundaries of the city's two parliamentary constituencies.

One of those parliamentary boundary changes has led to proposals for a polling district - home to 399 voters - being moved from a church in Fulford to a village hall in nearby Heslington.

Stations where improved access is said to be needed include St Barnabas Church, in Leeman Road, where officials say a ramp should be built, and the Christian Science Church, in Fulford Road, which is said to require a replacement ramp.

Douglas added: "To encourage as many people as possible to vote, we're always looking for ways to improve the places where residents can cast their vote.

"Please read the proposals and give us your thoughts."

The council spokesperson added: "The aim of the review is to ensure that electors have reasonable and practical facilities for voting and, as far as is reasonable and practical, polling places are accessible to all electors."

The full proposals can be found online and the consultation runs until 31 January, with the final proposals set be debated at a full council meeting in March.

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