Why are disabled people still Polls Apart?

In the 21st century, you would think that disabled people would be able to vote independently and in secret like anyone else. But, many disabled people still encounter access barriers when they vote. That’s why Scope will be running our Polls Apart campaign in the run-up to the General Election in 2010.

Polls Apart is Scope’s campaign to ensure that disabled people have the same access to Britain’s democracy as everyone else. We’ve been running this campaign since 1992, and although access has improved, there is still a long way to go before disabled people can be confident that they won’t face discrimination at the ballot box.

On Election Day 2005, Scope’s campaign volunteers surveyed over 2,000 polling stations and found that 68% of polling stations could be inaccessible to a disabled person.

During the 2010 General Election (whenever that is), Scope will once again be looking at the accessibility of the voting process, including polling stations (which, after all are community buildings like schools and council offices so should be accessible anyway!) We’ll also be looking at postal voting to make sure that all voting methods take disabled people’s needs into account.

We’re keen to involve as many people as possible, particularly disabled people, in the campaign. Information on how you can get involved will be available in the new year. But in the meantime don’t forget to register to vote (contact your local council for details).

For more information about Polls Apart or to join Scope’s Campaigns Network, please email campaigns@scope.org.uk or ring 020 7619 7370.

Support Scope’s ongoing work with a donation through your pay.