Research conducted by disability and autism support network, and Includability partner, Dimensions, found ahead of the most recent elections that 27% of people did not know all people with a learning disability had the legal right to vote.

What are the voting experiences of people with learning difficulties?

They say 80% of respondents reported polling stations were difficult to use for people with a learning disability and 76% struggled to find easy-read manifestos.

82% of people felt the Government did not listen to those with a learning disability as much as it listens to other people.

A survey commissioned to mark the Local Elections by Dimensions, sheds new light on the voting experiences of people with learning disabilities.

What is the Love Your Vote campaign?

Launched as part of Dimensions’ Love Your Vote campaign, which aims to empower people with a learning disability, autism or complex needs to participate in voting, the survey revealed that 27% of respondents – including people with a learning disability, their families and support workers – did not know that all people with a learning disability have a legal right to vote in elections.

Further, 80% of people felt that polling stations were difficult to use for those with a learning disability, with 61% of people also reporting that polling station staff did not always make reasonable adjustments, which people are legally entitled to when voting.

Steve Scown, Chief Executive of Dimensions UK, said,

“This research sheds new light on the importance of initiatives such as Dimensions’ Love Your Vote campaign and the small steps that could address long standing barriers to improve the inclusivity of voting. Everyone with a learning disability and/or autism has a right to vote, with reasonable adjustments made available to support them. Everyone should have their voice heard in the Local Elections this year.”

Read the full partner release here.