Disabled people could be denied their right to vote independently and in secret in the European elections because they are being organised in a rush due to Brexit chaos, Labour has warned.
Theresa May is facing a race against time to get MPs to approve a withdrawal deal by May 22 so the UK does not have to take part in European Parliament elections the following day under the terms of a Brexit delay to October 31 agreed with the EU last week.
The rushed and uncertain situation left electoral administrators just four working days to order tactile voting devices which are legally required to help blind and partially sighted people vote.
Labour said the timetable was “not a sufficient warning” and blamed May’s “chaotic approach to Brexit”.
Three shadow ministers have jointly written to Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith, urging her to ensure all local authorities have tactile voting devices in place for the elections on May 23.
The devices help blind and partially sighted people vote secretly and without help by providing them with a reusable plastic template with Braille and raised numbers that can be attached to the ballot paper.
Shadow disabilities minister Marsha de Cordova said: “It is disgraceful that the government’s shambolic Brexit negotiations are interfering with disabled people’s democratic rights.
“Without these tactile voting devices, many blind and partially sighted people will be denied their right to vote independently and in secret.
“Labour is clear that reasonable adjustments must be made to ensure that elections are accessible and inclusive to all.”
Shadow voter engagement minister Cat Smith added: “It has never been the desire of the Labour Party to take part in these elections. However, this is now becoming a reality following the government’s failure to reach a satisfactory Brexit deal.
“The uncertainty caused by this government’s shambolic Brexit negotiations is causing untold damage, and is now undermining the ability of electoral administrators to deliver national polls and ensure they are well-run and fair. This chaos must end.”
Labour’s intervention comes after electoral administrators were told on Friday April 5 to actively plan for European elections on May 23.
They were also informed on the same day by Pakflatt (UK), an election equipment company, that orders for tactile voting devices had to be completed on April 10 to get them into time for the poll.
In their letter to the Cabinet Office, de Cordova, Smith and shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler said: “I am sure you will agree that four working days to order a device that ensures blind and partially sighted people can exercise their democratic right to vote is not a sufficient warning.
“The fault of this failing does not lie with the Pakflatt (UK) or electoral administrators, but directly with the government and their chaotic approach to Brexit.”
The Electoral Commission said it was confident that polling stations would be ready to meet legal requirements for ensuring blind and partially sighted people can cast their ballot fairly.
But a spokesperson acknowledged: “We know the timetable for these elections is pressing but the electoral community, across the UK, and the commission are experienced in delivering well-run elections and will draw upon this expertise in the interests of voters, but, as with any electoral event, the shorter the lead in time, the more difficult it will be to deliver a well-run poll.”
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “It is absolutely right that provisions should be in place to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote can do so with confidence.
“Government is working alongside partners such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People to make our democracy more accessible for disabled people, including promoting improved training for polling station staff to support people with sight loss to vote.”