Visually impaired voters to trial ballot paper aid

A system to help blind and partially sighted people to vote is to be trialled in two Highland Council by-elections.

It involves cardboard templates with cut-out areas that match up with each voting box when placed on top of a ballot paper.

The templates have Braille and embossed areas next to each box.

Highland Council said it was trialling the system after a recent survey suggested people with visual impairments felt they could not vote in secret.

The ballot paper overlay is expected to be made available during the Scottish Parliament elections next year.

Derek Brown, Highland Council's returning officer, said: "When everyone can cast their vote freely and confidently, we all move closer to a fairer, more representative society.

"Accessible voting isn't just a right - it's a powerful reminder that every person matters, and every vote shapes the future we share."

Other aids will also be available during voting, including magnifiers and large print ballot paper copies.

Staff will also be available to provide .

Voters will take to the polls to elect new councillors for the Cromarty Firth and Eilean a' Cheò (Skye and Raasay) wards on 19 June.

A full list of candidates standing in the two by-elections can be found on Highland Council's website.