Getting separate and independent help and advice to look at these issues will assist the electoral manager and allow problems identified to be put right in time for the next elections. These surveys identified two main areas of concern. The first related to the physical conditions in many polling sites, which caused problems to disabled voters in terms of difficulties of access, difficulties in understanding the explanations given by staff, difficulties in voting due to the size of the print on the ballot papers and instructions, and the poor design of the voting booths. This practice enables the voter's choice to remain secret. Ballot papers and instructions can be printed oversize to enable partially sighted voters to make their choice.
Many electoral laws provide for assistance to be given to the voter.
The most common forms of assistance are for the vote to be marked by a poll worker in accordance with the voter's instructions. Another option is for the voter to be assisted by a family member or friend who marks the ballot paper in accordance with the instructions given. A further variation of this arrangement is when the poll workers keep a list of all voters whose votes are marked with assistance from a poll worker or family member. Specially designed voting booths will also assist electors. Of course, access for wheelchair users, seating for those with walking difficulties, extra lighting, recorded instructions using earphones and use of text phones in the electoral manager's office are all ways in which the process can be made easier.