Thursday: Your Vote, Your Decision

As you may have noticed, there’s a General Election on Thursday. Some of you may have already sent in a postal vote, but for everyone heading down to their local polling station, we’ve produced this handy trouble-shooter.

I don’t know who to vote for
Take a look at our Q&As with Labour, the Lib Dems, the Conservatives and the Green Party to see which party’s plans match with what you want. Alternatively, search for the manifesto of a party to see what they have promised to do.

I don’t know why to vote. I mean, I’m only one person, it doesn’t make a difference, right?
Wrong! Your vote is your chance to say what you want. You have the power: use it well.

Not convinced? Read more: 5 Reasons to Register to Vote http://disabilityunited.co.uk/2017/05/5-reasons-register-vote/

I don’t know where to vote
Find your local polling station at: https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-vote/voting-in-person

My local polling station has steps. I can’t get in!
The ballot paper can be brought to you. Ask somebody to attract the attention of the Presiding Officer and ask them to bring it out.

I need assistance to write on the ballot paper.
The Presiding Officer can write on the ballot paper on your behalf, just ask.

I have a learning disability. Do I have to do an assessment first?
No. You only need to take your polling card to the polling station.

I can’t get to the polling station as there is no accessible route/transport/I need but don’t have a PA who can accompany me/I can’t get out of my house/I haven’t registered to vote.

Unfortunately, you cannot vote online. You can vote by post, or ask another voter to vote on your behalf (by proxy), but this needs to be done ahead of time. If you haven’t already done this and think that you might not be able to get to the polling station next time, use today to prepare for next time.

Register to vote: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Apply for a postal vote: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote
Apply for someone else to vote on your behalf (by proxy): https://www.gov.uk/apply-vote-proxy

There’s no large print ballot papers.
There should be one in every polling station, so that you can familiarise yourself with the layout before writing on your smaller ballot paper. Every polling station should also have a tactile voting device, a plastic overlay to guide you on the ballot paper. You can also ask the Presiding Officer to write on the ballot paper on your behalf.

I’m unwell/busy today, can I do it another time?
No. Thursday 8th June is the only day you can vote in this election.

However, the polling station is open from 7am to 10pm.

I got to the polling station and there was a problem that isn’t in this trouble-shooter.
Contact your local Electoral Office. It’s their job to make sure that everyone who wants to vote can vote. If something or someone is stopping you, tell them and they should try to find a way to fix it.

Find your local Electoral Office here: https://www.gov.uk/get-on-electoral-register

What do I need to do now?
Plan your Thursday. Is the polling station near your kids’ school? Near the shops? Think about when you can fit it into your day around your other commitments and usual routine. When are your friends going? Could you car share or wander there together?

Don’t forget your polling card!

By Fleur Perry
Editor

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