I have a learning disability and like many people I can get very angry with politicians and some of the decisions they make!
But I don’t agree with people who think they can’t change this.
People with learning disability have the same right to vote as everyone else so you can make change happen!
Even though politicians make decisions on lots of important things; like how much money is given out in benefits, what housing there is for disabled people and how much is spent on the
NHS
The NHS is the National Health Service. The NHS gives free healthcare to everyone in the UK and includes things like your GP (doctors) surgery and hospitals.
, we are their boss and they are meant to speak for us!
By voting in local elections you can have your say in which politicians make these important decisions! You can help keep someone who you think is doing a good job or vote to change them. You don’t need to be an expert to vote and take part in our
democracy
A democracy is where everyone can have their say and be listened to. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all a democracy.
.
My top tips
To get you started here are my top tips to get into voting:
- Talk to your parents, friends and teachers about voting.
-
Research
Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think.
your local candidates, look at their
website
A website is a page you can go to on the internet like Google or YouTube.
and Social Media. - Visit
Parliament
Parliament is a group of people who make laws and check what
the government
The Government are the people who run the country. The Government decide how much
tax
Tax is the money that pays for things like schools, hospitals and the police. There are different types of taxes like
income tax
Income tax is the money that is taken out of the money you earn every month. It helps to pay for things we all need like hospitals and schools.
,
VAT
VAT is also called Value Added Tax. VAT is the extra money you pay when you buy things. The money goes to the government to pay for things like schools and hospitals.
and
council tax
Council Tax is the money that people pay to the council. It helps to pay for things like social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
.
people should pay and how things like the National Health Service (NHS) should work.
is doing.
(it’s free!) and watch politicians on TV. - Read Mencap and the Electoral Commission’s PDF Easy Read Guide to Voting and the
easy read
Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing.
party Manifestos during elections (a book which says what political parties would do if they are elected). - Get an appointment with your MP or local councillors at their surgery and go talk to them.
- Go to hustings events at elections to learn about the people who want you to vote for them.
Voting gave me more than a say in who runs the country or my local council, it also gave me confidence.
I feel more confident in how I deal with everyday tasks and have even got my MP to do more work with local charities.
I would encourage everyone to get
involved
Involved is being included in something or taking part in something.
with voting. There is no right or wrong answer but it can make a big difference to your life and everyone else’s.
Go and give it a go!
Find out more
To find out more take a look at our Guides to voting webpage.
Don't forget to register to vote if you'd like to take part in this year's local elections.