Voting is a basic democratic right – one denied all too often to people with learning disabilities

In the run up to any election, I think about my right to vote and the upcoming local elections are no exception. Many people are so used to their polling card coming through the letter box and heading out to cast their ballots that they rarely give their right to do so a second thought. After all, the idea that every adult can exercise this basic democratic right seems a very simple one. And it should be.

Yet, as someone with a learning disability, I haven’t always been aware of my right to vote, and it was only 10 to 15 years ago that I voted for the first time. I’m not alone. I know many others with a learning disability share similar stories.

Making our voices heard in the polling booth is more important than ever, however. Research undertaken by Dimensions this year shows that there is still work to be done, with survey findings suggesting that 27 per cent of respondents were unsure or did not believe that individuals with a learning disability had a right to vote.

It’s a common misconception that individuals with learning disabilities are not able to vote, but one that needs all of us to tackle. Many have missed out on the experience of voting because they simply weren’t aware of their right to do so.

One particular story that has stayed with me is Barbara’s. Barbara, a woman with learning disabilities, wasn’t aware of her right to vote until the launch of the Love Your Vote campaign, which supports people with a learning disability to exercise their voting rights. Barbara visited a polling booth for the first time at the age of 83 and her experience is a testament to the positive impact that political engagement can have in every person’s life.

Clearly, awareness is a significant obstacle, but other barriers must also be addressed. In the same research carried out by Dimensions, 80 per cent of respondents said that polling stations were difficult for those with learning disabilities to use and 61 per cent felt that polling staff were not always aware of people’s entitlement to reasonable adjustments. Although less common, but especially concerning, are the experiences of people who have faced criticism for the reasonable adjustments they require when voting, such as bringing a carer into the polling booth to help them or articulating their vote verbally.

Accessibility should be about making sure polling stations are an empowering space for everyone. I’m proud to be volunteering as an observer at my local polling station this year to make sure staff know how to support voters with additional needs.

Simple changes could go even further in making voting a more engaging and rewarding experience for everyone. Making the voting slip itself larger and committing to publish easy read manifestos earlier in advance of an election would both go a long way towards boosting participation. I’ve also spent several years campaigning for larger versions of the maps that direct voters to their local polling station.

For me, one of the most striking findings of Dimensions’ research was the fact that 82 per cent of people believe the government doesn’t listen as much to individuals with learning disabilities. By enacting these changes, we can make an invaluable statement – that voting is open to everyone and that support is available to ensure it is an empowering experience.

I’ve been asked before what my message is to anyone who doesn’t vote. And so, this election season, I say this: you have a right to vote and you should know your voice is powerful.

Dr Mark Brookes is advocacy lead at Dimensions, which supports people with learning disabilities and autism