Elections NB strives to ensure that the buildings it uses during elections are accessible and can accommodate the needs of voters with various challenges. They provide various supports at our Returning Offices and at the polling stations to assist and accommodate electors with special requirements to vote independently.
Returning Offices and polling stations are set up so that an elector who uses a wheelchair, scooter, or a walker can easily navigate through the entire location.
Voting places are near bus routes whenever possible.
If your polling station or returning office does not offer the level access you require, you can:
- Request to vote using curbside voting. Polling officials will come to your vehicle with your ballot, a marker, and secrecy sleeve, as well as the ballot box for you to deposit your ballot.
- Request a Transfer Certificate, which will allow you to vote at another polling station in your electoral district that you are able to access.
A Braille ballot template, a Braille list of candidates, and a Braille instruction sheet are available at all voting places.
Elections NB provides the option to vote using a Braille tactile controller connected to the tabulation machine to conduct an audio vote session, which enables an elector with a disability to vote independently using either a Braille controller, paddles, or a sip and puff attachment. While wearing headphones the elector listens to voting instructions and makes their selection privately. If required, the election official will assist the elector in transferring the ballot from the printer to the tabulation machine. The service is only available at returning offices.
You can bring someone with you to help you vote. They must be 18 years of age or older. A poll worker may also assist you.
You can arrange for a sign language interpreter prior to going to a Returning Office or a polling station to vote. This service is done by appointment on the days of advance voting and Election Day. Please call Elections NB at 1-888-858-8683 for information on how to book an interpreter.
Pocket Talkers are designed for electors with hearing difficulties but who do not have a hearing aid. These amplifiers are portable and can be used in one-to-one interactions with our elections officials. Pocket Talkers are available at all Returning Offices, and the Special Voting Officers will have them at the additional polls.
Elections NB offers the option of using a large grip, scent-reduced marker to mark your ballot instead of a pencil or pen.
Ballots are printed on letter size paper. The candidates' names on the ballots are printed in a large font, and the lettering is white over a black background.
Elections NB will provide magnifying glasses at all polling stations. If you have your own magnifying glass, you are encouraged to bring it when you come to vote.