On the 2nd of May, I voted in the local elections. I was apprehensive about going to vote due to barriers I had experienced. When I went to vote in the past, there were no easy-to-read manifestos from the parties, which proved difficult when deciding who to vote for. Disabled people should not be left out because electoral parties are not able to provide adequate supporting materials.  Despite My Vote My Voice repeatedly asking parties to commit to an easy-read manifesto, there were none available, and other people with learning disabilities and autistic people have echoed this also.

Luckily for me, I had registered to vote in the past, so I didn’t need to go through this process again. I did try to go through the process of registering to vote by post this year but was put off by the inaccessible forms and some questions that were worded in a complex way. It is as if the government don’t want disabled people to have their say and to vote. Our campaign, My Vote My Voice, is trying to bring awareness to the challenges disabled people face when trying to vote.

Another thing that is making it hard for autistic people and those with learning disabilities to be able to vote in is the use of ID.  Many people may miss deadlines, find it hard to fill in the forms, and forget their ID on voting day. Even Boris Johnson forgot to bring his ID on voting day! Forms of ID can cost money, and the voter authority certificate form can be difficult to fill out. I find that the government website, in general, is difficult to access.

Anxiety can be quite a present thing for people with disabilities, and I often struggle with feelings of anxiety myself. Some people may find it hard to go to the polling station, and it may be hard for some autistic people due to a change in their routine. The Government could put on workshops to engage people with disabilities by listening to them and preparing them for voting day.

Upon entering the polling station, I noticed a disability sign on the door – I think this was meant for people with physical disabilities in a wheelchair, but what about people with hidden disabilities? The polling station was step-free, and the space was dark and airy. I told the staff at the polling station about our campaign, and they seemed passionate and wanted to know more, which I took as a good sign. They were unaware of the difficulties and barriers surrounding voting for those with certain disabilities and began to understand the frustration and anger this can cause for many, including myself. I believe that staff at polling stations need more training on not just physical disabilities but those hidden disabilities too.

Filling out the form was confusing because there were no accessible communication methods for disabled people who wanted to vote. There are no easy read documents are available as to what goes on during polling day and what we can do as voters.

Politics and political language can be confusing for those who want to vote or get involved in politics. I would urge prospective parliamentary candidates to commit to helping disabled people vote by campaigning accessibly!

My Vote My Voice is on a mission to make the general election the most accessible yet! Head over to myvotemyvoice.org.uk for easy read information about voting.