Voters in Great Bentley will head to the polls on Thursday, 18 September, to elect a new par-ish councillor — and for the first time, a new audio device will be available at the polling station to support voters with sight impairments.

The device, which is being trialled at Great Bentley Village Hall, is designed to help blind and partially sighted voters cast their vote independently and in confidence.

It forms part of wider efforts by Tendring District Council to improve the accessibility of elections for all residents.

The poll will run from 7am to 10pm, with two candidates standing for the vacant seat on Great Bentley Parish Council:

• Robert Harry Cohen (Independent)
• Linda Jane McKenzie (Independent)

Returning Officer Ian Davidson said: “We are always looking at ways to improve the voting experience for people and this trial is one part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility.

“Everyone’s vote counts equally — and this device helps us take another step toward ensur-ing that equality is reflected at the ballot box.

“I would encourage everyone in the ward who has a vote to have their say as to who will rep-resent them on the parish council.

“Don’t let any mobility or sight issues stop you from having your say at the ballot box.

“The staff at the polling station are there to help, including, with the use of the new audio device being trialled.

“People are advised that if voting in person at a polling station, that they have a valid photo ID.”

The Statement of Persons Nominated for the by-election is available on Tendring District Council’s website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/elections.

The deadline to register to vote in this election has now passed.

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