My Vote Counts
Why Voting is Important
Voting is how you choose who represents you in government. The people you vote for will make decisions about things like healthcare, education, and employment. Your vote helps shape the future of your community and country.
In the UK, you can vote if you:
- Are registered to vote
- Are18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
- Are a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
- Are resident at an address in the UK or living abroad and registered as an overseas voter
- Are not be legally excluded from voting
How to register to vote
IMPORTANT DEADLINE TO REGISTER: 18 June 2024.
Online Registration: You can register to vote online. You will need your National Insurance number, date of birth, and address.
Paper Registration: You can also register by filling out a paper form and sending it to your local Electoral Registration Office.
How to Vote
There are different ways you can vote:
- In Person: Go to your local polling station on election day. You will receive a poll card in the mail telling you where your polling station is.
- By Post: You can apply to vote by post. This is helpful if you cannot go to the polling station on election day.
- By Proxy: You can ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf. This is called voting by proxy.
What to expect at the Polling Station
- Arrive at the Polling Station: You can go any time between 7am and 10pm.
- Give Your Name: Tell the staff your name and address.
- Show your photo ID: Don’t forget to bring it with you.
- Receive Your Ballot Paper: They will give you a ballot paper listing all the candidates.
- Mark Your Ballot Paper: Go to a private booth and mark an “X” next to the name of the candidate you want to vote for.
- Submit Your Ballot Paper: Fold your ballot paper and put it in the ballot box.
Making your Decision
- Research Candidates: Find out what each candidate stands for. Look at their policies and what they promise to do if they are elected.
- Talk to Others: Discuss with family, friends, or support workers to understand different perspectives.
- Think About What Matters to You: Consider which issues are most important to you and who you think will address them best.
It is important to point out that we will not be telling you who to vote for but just explaining how voting works. Who you vote for must be your choice and your decision.
Support and Resources
Easy Read Guides: Look for easy read guides that explain voting in simple terms.
DOWNLOAD OUR EASY READ “MY VOTE COUNTS” PACK FOR 2024 HERE!
This is a very useful link: My Vote My Voice
Voting Passport: This explains more about how to vote and what your rights are and what help you need to vote.
These are the parties that have made Easy Read Manifestos:
Ask for Help: If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a family member, friend, or support worker.
Practice Voting: Some organizations offer practice sessions where you can learn how to vote and what to expect.
Remember, your vote is your voice. Every vote counts, and your vote is important in shaping the policies and leaders of our country. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us at the National Down Syndrome Policy Group.
