Learning Disability Wales has published an Easy Read guide to voting in the General Election on 4th July 2024.
The guide covers what the general election is, why your vote matters, who can vote in a general election, registering to vote and how to vote. It also includes information on the types of photo ID that are valid when voting and how you can decide who to vote for.
Enable Scotland has also published an Easy Read guide to voting in Scotland, while the UK government also has its own Easy Read resources on voting, published in 2015.
While research shows that the number of people with learning disabilities who vote in General Elections has increased in recent years (one in five in 2005 vs one in three in 2010), many still face barriers to voting.
Government statistics show that 17% of people with a learning disability have been turned away from polling stations because of their disability, and 60% said registering to vote is too hard.
Learning Disability Wales says that making voting easy and accessible is therefore crucial: it supports democracy, ensures fairness and boosts community involvement.
This year, all three of the UK’s major political parties (Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats) have published Easy Read manifestos.
Ismail Kaji, who has a learning disability, and is Parliamentary Affairs Assistant for Mencap, says Easy Read manifestos “make it easier to understand what each party is promising.”
“This will mean that people with a learning disability feel more valued and included and understand why their vote counts,” he added.
Learning Disability Wales says their Easy Read guide will help people with learning disabilities to take part in the General Election and make an informed decision about who to vote for.
“Taking part in voting and political conversations can be intimidating. There is so much information and differing opinions it can be hard to know where to start. We understand the importance of accessible information. Everyone has the right to have the information they need to make informed decisions,” they said.
“Whoever you choose to vote for, your vote matters. The people that represent you in UK Parliament are there to make sure the issues that are important to you, and that impact your life, are heard and thought about when big decisions are made. Make sure your voice is heard in the 2024 general election.”
