ACCESSABLE VOTING

 

It's great that you're raising awareness about the challenges people with disabilities and health problems face when trying to vote. Here's a summary of the issues, combining your points and some additional information:

Key Issues:

·         Accessibility of Information: Many people, both with and without disabilities, find it hard to understand who to vote for and why. The information isn't always clear or accessible.

·         Accessibility of Polling Places: Some polling places are not physically accessible, preventing some people with disabilities from voting in person.

·         Assumptions about Understanding: There's a misconception that people with disabilities, particularly learning disabilities, don't understand the voting process or the issues at stake.

·         Lack of Support: There's a need for better support to help people with disabilities make informed voting decisions.

·         Feeling Voiceless: Many people feel that their voices aren't heard by the government, regardless of whether they have a disability.

·         Inaccessible voting cards: Some voters find it hard to use the cards.

·         Lack of reasons to vote: Voters are not asked about the reasons why they are voting.

Impact:

These barriers can lead to:

·         Disenfranchisement: People with disabilities may be unable to exercise their right to vote.

·         Reduced Political Participation: When people feel their voices don't matter, they may be less likely to engage in the political process.

·         Lack of Representation: When people with disabilities are underrepresented in the electorate, their needs and concerns may be overlooked by policymakers.

Resources and Actions:

It's crucial to address these issues to ensure that everyone can participate in democracy. Here are some resources and potential actions:

·         Advocacy: Organizations and individuals can advocate for policies and practices that promote accessible voting.

·         Hear My Voice: (https://www.hear-my-voice.org.uk/listening)

·         BBC Ouch: (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-31838006)

·         Disability Now: (http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/article/reeves-rhetoric-risks-riling-disabled-voters)

·         The Guardian: (http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/25/disabled-people-shut-out-lack-access-polling-stations?CMP=share_btn_tw)

·         Mencap: (https://www.mencap.org.uk/allaboutvoting)

·         Labour Party: (http://www.labour.org.uk/blog/entry/a-better-future-for-disabled-people-manifesto)

·         Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the barriers people with disabilities face and educating voters about their rights can help promote inclusion.

·         Accessible Voting Methods: Providing alternative voting methods, such as mail-in ballots or accessible voting machines, can make voting easier for people with disabilities.

·         Training for Poll Workers: Training poll workers to assist voters with disabilities can help ensure that everyone has positive voting experience.

It's important to continue the conversation and work towards solutions that make voting accessible and inclusive for everyone.