Council holds first mock polling station to help adults with learning disabilities use their right to vote

A special event in Southend-on-Sea has helped adults with learning disabilities learn about their rights to register to vote and to feel confident to vote in elections should they choose to do so.

A group of adults sitting and cheering

The event was organised by Southend-on-Sea City Council's Adult Social Care and Electoral Services teams in partnership with the Learning Disability User Voice Group, and Southend Care Ltd. Around 55 people attended, to take part in a practice voting session.

The event was held at Project 49 on Thursday 24 July, as part of the national Promote the Vote campaign, which aims to support people with learning disabilities to use their right to vote and take part in democracy. Staff at Project 49 held a husting event the week prior to setting up of a mock polling station was being set up to give attendees the chance to experience the full voting process, where they used a real polling booth, chose between mock candidates, and counted the votes to declare a winner. The process also included those who were not able to attend on the day being able to utilise a process closely mimicking the postal voting process.

Three attendees of Project 49 that day also volunteered to count votes, giving them valuable experience should they wish to take on this role in future official elections. The right to free elections is a human right. Many people with learning disabilities have faced barriers to voting in the past, despite being heavily impacted by political decisions. This event was designed to break down those barriers, build confidence, and encourage more people to register to vote ahead of future elections. Organisers hope that all 55 attendees will now go on to register to vote.

Cllr Maxine Sadza, cabinet member for social care and healthier communities, said: "Every resident deserves the opportunity to have their voice heard. People with learning disabilities are an important part of our community, and their views and experiences matter in shaping the decisions that affect all of us. I'd like to thank everyone involved in organising this event for helping to give residents the confidence and support they need to use their right to vote."

For more information on the campaign, visit: Promote the Vote BASW Practice Guide and Right to free elections.

Published: 11th August 2025

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