Over 1.5 million adults in the UK live with a learning disability, and there are over 700,000 autistic adults. Nevertheless:

40% of the general public don’t know these groups have an equal right to vote.

80% of people feel that polling stations are inaccessible for disabled people as a whole.

As few as 12% of disabled voters were aware of their legal entitlements during the 2023 local elections, in the wake of new rules around voter identification and available onsite support.

(Source: https://www.myvotemyvoice.org.uk/)

There are several important elections set to take place during 2024 and every vote should count.  This Council therefore agrees to sign the My Vote, My Voice Charter:

We will encourage people with learning disabilities and autistic people to use their vote.  

We will do this by:  

·         Sharing accessible resources; 

·         Encouraging people to complete the My Vote My Voice election surveys;  

·         Promoting the My Vote My Voice campaign;

·         Involving people with lived experience in this campaign; 

·         Championing the voting rights of people with a learning disabilities and autism. 

The Motion set out on the Summons regarding My Vote, My Voice Charter was moved and seconded.

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: Over 1.5 million adults in the UK live with a learning disability, and there are over 700,000 autistic adults.

Nevertheless:

40% of the general public don’t know these groups have an equal right to vote.

80% of people feel that polling stations are inaccessible for disabled people as a whole.

As few as 12% of disabled voters were aware of their legal entitlements during the 2023 local elections, in the wake of new rules around voter identification and available onsite support.

There are several important elections set to take place during 2024 and every vote should count.

This Council therefore agrees to sign the My Vote, My Voice Charter.

We will encourage people with learning disabilities and autistic people to use their vote.

We will do this by:

-       Sharing accessible resources.

-       Encouraging people to complete the My Vote, My Voice elections surveys.

-       Promoting the My Vote, My Voice campaign.

-       Involving people with lived experience in this campaign.

-       Championing the voting rights of people with learning disabilities and autism.