I have a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. 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 People vote in an election An election is when people choose who should be in charge of something. This could be in charge of a group, an area, or the country. People choose by voting. The person with the most votes wins. . In elections for councillors Councillors are the people who work for the council A council is also called a local authority A local authority is also called a council. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live like schools, social care Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it. (support for people), parks and dustbin collection. . They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live. These include: schools, social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection. . They make important decisions about the area where you live. or MPs, you vote by putting a cross next to the name of the person you want to choose. In less formal elections, like in a small group, you might vote by putting your hand up. The person with the most votes wins. 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, 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 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 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 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.