The decision to have a snap election has meant over a million potential voters with learning difficulties and Autism are at potential risk of being excluded from the voting process of the upcoming General Election on 8 June 2017.
Due to the nature of a snap election, it is difficult for people with learning difficulties and autism to absorb the voting process. Charities are urging the government to produce manifestos in an easy to read format. The charity, Scope, has campaigned for accessibility improvements during previous elections, but those with learning disabilities are still being left behind, partly because of a widely-held misunderstanding about what a learning disability is.
Mr Holland, from Mencap, said: “The speed of this election means there is a real danger it will be completely inaccessible to people with a learning disability”
“The political process is often confusing and jargon-filled, meaning for many people with a learning disability is completely inaccessible.”
