Participation of learning disabled people in the parliamentary election of 2019 in the United Kingdom

James, E, Hatton, C ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8781-8486 and Mitchell, R (2021) Participation of learning disabled people in the parliamentary election of 2019 in the United Kingdom. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 26 (2). pp. 65-72. ISSN 1359-5474

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Abstract

Purpose: Participation of people with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom (UK) Parliamentary Elections has previously been found to be lower than that of non-learning disabled peers. This paper aims to consider whether an intervention to support the right to take part in democratic and political life may result in increased participation rates. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered by social workers from 135 learning disabled people about their voter registration and voting in the May 2019 UK local government election. Social workers subsequently ran a promote the vote campaign with this cohort and gathered the same data in respect of the December 2019 UK Parliamentary Election. Findings: Following the campaign, there were statistically significant increases in both the proportion of people who registered to vote and in the proportion who voted. Originality/value: People with learning disabilities are more likely to vote if made aware of their rights and supported to do so.