Voting is a basic democratic right – one denied all too often to people with learning disabilities

It’s a common misconception that individuals with learning disabilities are not able to vote – and it’s something that all of us must tackle, writes Mark Brookes

People with learning disabilities sometimes need help casting their vote at polling stations (PA)

In the run up to any election, I think about my right to vote and the upcoming local elections are no exception. Many people are so used to their polling card coming through the letter box and heading out to cast their ballots that they rarely give their right to do so a second thought. After all, the idea that every adult can exercise this basic democratic right seems a very simple one. And it should be.

Yet, as someone with a learning disability, I haven’t always been aware of my right to vote, and it was only 10 to 15 years ago that I voted for the first time. I’m not alone. I know many others with a learning disability share similar stories.

Making our voices heard in the polling booth is more important than ever, however. Research undertaken by Dimensions this year shows that there is still work to be done, with survey findings suggesting that 27 per cent of respondents were unsure or did not believe that individuals with a learning disability had a right to vote.