What is a tactile ballot paper template?
A tactile ballot paper template has been developed to enable you to vote independently and in secret.
How will the template work?
The template sticks onto the ballot paper.
What are the features on the template?
The template has clear and non-decorative lettering, large print, good colour contrast, raised up letters, Braille and the cut-out sections have a black border to assist people to find where to mark their vote.
Will the ballot paper be different?
No, the template will be used on the same ballot paper used by everyone.
How will I know where to mark the ballot paper?
There are two cut out boxes, one for ‘Yes’ and one for ‘No’, the template is placed over the ballot paper to match the boxes to be marked on the ballot paper.
Will I have to stick the template to the ballot paper myself?
No, the presiding officer is advised to stick the template to the ballot paper and hand it to you or place it on the table in front of you, right way up.
How will I know if the ballot paper the right way up?
The top right hand corner is cut off and ridged.
Will I get to try it out?
NCBI have templates that you can “try out” before the next referendum in each of our offices nationwide. Get in touch with your local NCBI office if you would like a demonstration of the new template.
If I can’t get to an NCBI office to try out the ballot paper, can the presiding officer at my polling station advise me how to use it?
Yes, the presiding officers have all been briefed on the different elements of the template and will give verbal directions before you enter the booth to mark the ballot paper.
Will the template be available for the next referendum?
Yes, the template is ready to go and will be available for the next referendum.
Do I have to inform my local polling station beforehand?
No, the template will be available in all polling stations.
Which comes first on the template, yes or no?
The top box is “yes” and the bottom “no”.