Electoral Commission statement on accessibility of elections

31 Aug 2018 09:57 AM

Yesterday the Cabinet Office has published recommendations to help elections be more accessible for voters with a disability, following a call for evidence.

In response to the recommendations, Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commissionsaid:

‘Everyone, no matter their circumstances, should be able to participate in elections and cast their vote with confidence. We welcome the UK Government’s recommendations on making the electoral system more accessible, and are keen to see improvements put in place as soon as possible.

‘We will continue to work across the UK with governments, disability organisations and those who run elections to ensure there are no barriers to voting. This includes strengthening the support we give to electoral administrators so that they can help voters with a disability to register and to vote.’

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to editors

  1. The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
    • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
    • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
    • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy,
    • aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

    The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

  2. The Commission’s ‘Elections for everyone’ report was submitted in November 2017 as its response to the Governments call for evidence asking for views on how people with disabilities experience registering to vote and voting. The Commission undertook research with voters that have disabilities and spoke to a number of charities in order to inform its report.

Related link:  Access to elections: Call for Evidence