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Having dementia does not mean you can’t vote, says charity

Ahead of the General Election on 4th July 2024, Alzheimer’s Society warns that many people living with dementia may not know their voting rights

Ballot box (credit Element5 Digital on Unsplash)
credit Element5 Digital on Unsplash

National charity Alzheimer’s Society are calling on people with dementia and their friends, family and carers to make sure their votes are heard in the General Election.

The Alzheimer’s Society says no one can be prevented from voting because they have dementia, but the over 87,000 people affected by dementia in London casting their ballot in July 4th’s General Election may face some practical challenges.

By law, polling stations must provide extra support to help people with disabilities to vote. This includes people with dementia. Extra support might include providing special equipment such as ramps, large print ballot papers, a pencil grip, or lowering the writing surface to wheelchair level.

Alzheimer’s Society suggest that people living with dementia may need reminders of the election date, to bring their ID, or assistance in reaching the polling station. Friends, family and carers should reach out to loved ones or those you care for to ask if they need help.

Voters are entitled to have someone accompany them in the polling station to help you to vote. This can be anyone who is 18 or over. If you don’t have anyone who can help you can ask staff at the polling station to help you.

Rachael Martin-Smith, National Influencing Manager for Alzheimer’s Society, said “It is vital that people affected by dementia and their carers understand their rights surrounding the General Election and their voting options. Everyone with dementia has a right to vote. You do not need to have mental capacity to vote.”

Alzheimer’s Society are concerned that dementia and the people who experience it have not featured prominently in political discussion in the run-up to the general election.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, one in three people born today will develop dementia, making it the biggest health and social care issue of our time. They state that people living with dementia deserve a social care system set up to provide them with quality, personalised care, delivered by a well-trained and supported workforce.

The charity are calling on UK Government to increase dementia diagnosis rates and prepare the NHS for disease-modifying treatments becoming available.  They are also demanding a long-term social care workforce strategy in England  so that there are enough well-trained and supported staff to provide high quality, personalised dementia care to everyone who needs it.

If you are worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist.  Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.


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