McGonagall Reader
Tower Hamlets is introducing the McGonagall Reader, an audio and tactile voting assistance tool, for visually impaired voters.
In March 2026, Tower Hamlets announced it would provide visually impaired voters with access to the McGonagall Reader, an audio and tactile voting assistance tool, for upcoming elections. This device allows electors to use headphones, press buttons to hear candidate names and their order, and then mark their vote.
The McGonagall Reader was highlighted as a key new initiative during a General Purposes Committee meeting in March 2026. A report to the committee said the device is considered an enhancement and is the preferred choice for the RNIB. Tower Hamlets has purchased 21 of these readers.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets will provide the McGonagall Reader for visually impaired voters in upcoming elections. Source
- The McGonagall Reader is an audio and tactile voting assistance tool. Source
- The device allows electors to hear candidate names and mark their vote. Source
- The RNIB considers the McGonagall Reader the preferred choice for voting assistance. Source
- Tower Hamlets has purchased 21 McGonagall Readers. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.