“My vote, My Voice” is a campaign designed to encourage people with learning disabilities and autistic people to vote in the 2024 General Election and onwards, noting that everyone with a learning disability or autism should be aware of their right to vote and have all the necessary information about how to vote.
The launch of the campaign coincides with the recent report from the electoral commission that promises changes to polling stations across the UK, to provide greater flexibility and choice in how disabled voters are supported.
The event was sponsored by Alex Norris MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government and was attended by learning disabled and autistic self-advocates, as well as representatives from provider organisations and charities, democracy campaigners, MPs and Peers.
Guests heard from autistic people and people with learning disabilities leading the campaign, about their previous experiences of voting and what they want to change.
Speakers said that the campaign will make sure the voices of disabled people are heard, as previously people with learning disabilities have felt excluded from the voting process. They also said that vast improvements still need to be made before the next general election, if disabled people are going to have an equal opportunity to vote.
Closing the event Lee Rowley MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Local Government and Building Safety promised to listen and work with all those in attendance and encouraged everyone to sign up to the campaign.
Attending the event, Dan White policy and campaigns officer at DR UK said:
“ For far too long Disabled people have been excluded from the electoral process, including wheelchair users not being able to enter poling stations, people with visual impairments not able to vote independently and in secret or people with learning disabilities not receiving easy read information or support to vote in person. As far back as 2010, Scope surveyed disabled voters and found that 67% had one or more barriers to voting including no accessible booths and a lack of hearing loops. Unfortunately, barriers to voting for Disabled people, remain extremely common.
Recent legislation on the electoral process has done nothing to remove barriers. Instead it has introduced the need to show photo ID when voting and failed to set standards for reasonable adjustments and support.
We urge the Electoral Commission, councils and electoral officers to Implement the Equality Act, to ensure that Disabled citizens have the adjustments and support that we need to vote."
You can sign up to support the campaign on the “My Vote, My Voice” website.