Mencap NI are supporting people with 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. to to register and vote in the general 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 Northern Ireland on 4th July 2024.
Many people with a learning disability can find it difficult to engage in their community A community is the people and places in an area. .
So we are providing support for people to register and vote, voting is one of the most inclusive acts a person can do to be involved Involved is being included in something or taking part in something. in society.
Virtual voting experience
Many people with a learning disability can find it difficult when they are not sure what they should be doing when going to vote for the first time.
A polling station can be a very busy, noisy place with a lot of people.
We have produced this virtual reality (VR) experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. so that people with a learning disability can see what it is like at a polling station, the information they need to bring and who they have to check in with to vote.
Mencap use VR technology to support people to access their communities by replicating their environment, activity and processes so an individual can experience the opportunity before taking part.
The aim is to reduce any anxieties or fears they may have about the activity, and increase their confidence to engage and participate.
Mencap has developed the virtual reality experience with C60 Architects based in Belfast.
Virtual voting experience
The virtual voting experience allows you to see what it is like at a Polling Station, the information you need to bring and who you have to check in with to vote.
Register to Vote
Mencap NI are supporting people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland to register and vote in the general election.
For the general election in Northern Ireland you need to register to vote by Tuesday 18th June 2024.
The deadline for postal vote applications and proxy vote applications is 5pm on Friday 14th June 2024.
If you do not register you may not be included on the electoral register and will not be able to vote at future elections.
Remember you must register to vote before you can vote.
If you would like more information or have any questions you can email campaigns.NI@mencap.org.uk or phone 028 9069 1351.