Supporting people to vote can be really important to those that now require help from others. Ahead of the General Election on Thursday 4 July, this post provides information about supporting people to vote and how to make the process easier. Gardiner’s can support our clients to vote if they wish. Many of our clients will be registered to vote by post or proxy.
Postal votes
Everyone who is entitled to vote can apply to vote by post. This is particularly helpful for people who may struggle to get to a polling station. While everyone should be free to decide which form of vote to use, during summer, the possibility of a heat waver may make opting for a postal vote a safe option. For those who wish to vote via postal vote, the deadline is Wednesday 19 June at 17:00.
Proxy votes
A proxy vote is where someone goes to the polling station to vote for another person who is unable to attend to vote themself. Where an individual appoints a proxy, they ask someone they trust to vote on their behalf. People can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including being away on polling day, having a medical issue or disability or not being able to vote in person because of work or military service. The deadline for application for a proxy vote is on Wednesday 26 June at 17:00.
It is also possible to ask for an emergency proxy vote, for example, if someone becomes unexpectedly ill or incapacitated, also reasons relating to their occupation, service or employment, mean they cannot vote in person. The application to do this must be made by 5 pm on the day of the election.
Voting in person
Gardiner’s are very happy to assist our clients to attend the local polling station to vote. If voting in person, do remember that new rules mean voters need to bring photo ID to their polling station to vote. Anyone without accepted photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before Wednesday 26 June at 17:00. Help with supporting people to vote is also be available from the local council.
Mental capacity and the right to vote
The Electoral Commission’s guidance states that ‘Everyone, regardless of their capacity, should be registered to vote. It is important that vulnerable people do not lose their right to vote’.
The Electoral Commission’s assisted applications guidance gives detailed advice for care staff and those holding a power of attorney, can go legally to assist people to register and exercise their right to vote.
Easy-read and accessible manifestos are usually available from the main websites of the political parties, Gardiner’s staff can support our clients to access these.
A word of warning
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, Care Workers should not be asked to act as proxies. Any wrong-doing, for example, unduly influencing or voting on behalf of a service user could be a safeguarding matter.
More information
The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections in the UK – vist the ‘I am a voter’ section of it’s website to read about registering to vote, casting votes in the ballot. There is information on voting at GOV.UK at: information about voting.
