Event to encourage adults with learning disabilities to vote

An event is being held by Plymouth City Council to encourage local adults with learning disabilities to vote in the upcoming local and general elections.

It is being held at the Council House in Armada Way on Tuesday 24 March from 11am to 1.30pm and is open to all adults with learning disabilities in the city.

Those who attend will get the chance to view the Council Chamber, find out about the process of voting, and speak to local council officers and councillors about voting. There will be an Easy-Read presentation about voting and why it is important.

Councillor Ian Tuffin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care for Plymouth City Council, said: “The Council is very pleased to hold this event because it is important that all members of the community are given the information they need about elections and voting.

“Historically, people with learning disabilities have been far less likely to vote and we want to change that.

“I encourage local people in Plymouth with learning disabilities who want to find out more about elections and voting to come to our event – we hope to see plenty of people there.”

As part of the event there will be a mock vote in which people who attend get to use the voting booth and ballot box.

Both the local and general elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2015, and to be eligible to vote people need to have registered is Monday 20 April 2015.

If you have any questions about the event on Tuesday call 01752 307749 and ask to speak to Cliff Morgan.

For more information on registering to vote visit www.plymouth.gov.uk

Nationally, the organisation United Response is running the Every Vote Counts campaign to encourage those with learning disabilities to vote. More information is at http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/every-vote-counts