All about voting

People with a learning disability have as much right to vote as anyone else.

Learn more about using your vote to take part in elections and have your say.

What is voting? Easy Read 

What is voting?

A group of people sitting around a table raising their hands. Underneath is text that reads "Vote."

Voting is a way for a group of people to make a choice or a decision.

When a group of people vote it is called an election.

A map of the UK with people standing around it showing their plans for change. In the middle is a voting booth, a ballot paper and a ballot box

In the UK, we vote to choose who to represent us and make important decisions.

There are different elections to choose people for jobs like Members of Parliament (MPs), Mayors, or councillors .

A group of people standing in front of a graphic of a voting ballot paper

But to use your vote in an election, you have to register and follow some rules.

Our information will tell you what you need to know.

White space

My Vote My Voice

Mencap has joined the My Vote My Voice campaign, bringing together charities to campaign to remove barriers to voting, and raise awareness about people with a learning disability’s right to vote.

Visit My Vote My Voice to find out more  

What is a General Election

What is voting?

Registering to vote

What is a local election?

When was the last General Election?

A map of the UK with people voting around it and a calendar which says Thursday July 4

The last General Election was in 2024

Thursday 4 July 2024 was the day of the last General Election when people voted in person. 

The day of an election is sometimes called Polling Day. 

If you want to vote in person at a polling station you can find out more about what to expect on the My Vote My Voice website.

May 2026 Local Elections

There are elections happening across England, Scotland and Wales on 7 May 2026.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday 20 April. You can register to vote online or by getting in touch with your local authority .

You will need to show ID when you vote in a Polling Station. Find out more information about what ID you need to show and how to get a Voter Authority Certificate (a free form of ID you can use to vote).

Is it time to vote?

Elections can happen at different times in different parts of the country.

Find out if you will have the chance to use your vote in an election in your area by visiting the Electoral Commission website .

Check for an election in your area  
A white sign with black letters reading "Polling Station" attached to a fence.

Related information about voting including our work in parliament

Our work in Parliament

Find out about our work in Parliament.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on learning disability

Information about the All Party Parliamentary Group on Learning Disability

Policy Shapers Easy Read

Have any questions about voting or elections?

If you would like more information or have any questions about voting or the work we do in parliament, please email [email protected] or phone 0207 696 6009.