Dear community partners,

I’m getting in touch from the Returning Officer’s team to share an Open Letter: Invitation to Engage, Accessibility at Elections and to warmly invite your support.

We’re committed to making elections across the Scottish Borders as accessible, inclusive and welcoming as possible. As a first step in a wider engagement programme, we want to listen to people who may face barriers to voting and shape our plans around what we hear.

• Please share the open letter with the people you support—especially anyone who has experienced barriers to voting (e.g., sight loss, deafness/BSL needs, mobility challenges, neurodivergence, learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, or other access needs).
• Encourage people to contact us directly. We’d like to hear first‑hand about what would make voting easier—from polling station accessibility and transport to information formats, communication support, and any other part of the process.
• Tell us the best way to engage. We can host in‑person sessions, set up digital meetings, or visit groups so we can listen and learn together.

How to get in touch:
elections@scotborders.gov.uk
Phone: 01835 826556
Post: Returning Officer, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0SA

Warm regards,

Declan Hall
Democratic Services Team Leader
Scottish Borders Council
Tel: 01835 826556

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