The perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities on their experience of voting in UK general elections

Abstract

Background: People with intellectual disabilities' voting rate within the United Kingdom remains significantly below the population average despite government enacted voting promotion measures. No published academic literature directly involves people with intellectual disabilities when considering their UK general election experiencesthis study aims to address this omission. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with intellectual disabilities (N = 20) about their election experiences during the 2017 (n = 18) and 2019 (n = 8) general elections. Six participants were interviewed around both elections. Data was analysed with template analysis. Results: Eight themes were producedelection information, political knowledge, political opinions, voting choice process, polling station experience, voting outcome, capacity and support. Theme interactions impacted on election experiences. Conclusions: While acknowledging diverse experiences, voting outcomes and experiences were particularly impacted by factor interactions concerning election information and/or polling station accessibility, capacity and support. Voting promotion interventions and future research should consider these areas. K E Y W O R D S general election, intellectual disability, politics, voting 1 | BACKGROUND 'People's right to participate in the conduct of public affairs is a fundamental imperative. Genuine and credible elections remain the most compelling and effective way for people to participate in governance and have their voices heard.' (United Nations, 2021). Voting is a human right with strong links to other rights, including the right to freedom from discrimination and to freedom of opinion and expression (United Nations, n.d.). The UK government has ratified The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006 (UNCRPD). Article 29 of this concerns Participation in Political and Public Life, including obligations to promote political involvement. The UK government has responded by issuing guidance and voting promotion measures, currently including assistive technology and assistance in polling stations (The Electoral Commission, 2022). Academic research consistently reports that people with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom vote significantly less than the general population. Such research includes secondary analysis of data collected by social workers through questionnaires and interviews