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 local
council
A council is also called a
local authority
A local authority is also called a council. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live like schools,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
(support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
. They are a group of people who make decisions about some of the things in the area where you live. These include: schools, social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
elections in Northern Ireland on 18 May 2023.
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 in society.
Along with the Electoral Commission for Northern Ireland we have created an
easy read
Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing.
guide to registering to vote and voting in the local council elections on 18 May 2023 in Northern Ireland.
You can access the easy read guide here
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media/10073
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 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 local elections.
For the council elections in Northern Ireland you need to register to vote by Friday 28 April 2023.
The deadline for postal vote applications and proxy vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 26 April 2023.
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.