Charity says having dementia does not mean you can't vote

Ahead of the General Election on 4th July 2024, the Alzheimer’s Society has issued a warning that many people living with dementia may not know their voting rights and are offering advice.

However, a statement said that no one can be prevented from voting because they have dementia and expressed that it was important for people to know this so that people with dementia have an equal voice in their communities.

For people affected by dementia voting in July’s General Election may pose 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

The organisation has issued a series of tips for those living with dementia and their carers.

• People living with dementia may need reminders of the election date, to bring their ID, or assistance in reaching the polling station. Reach out to loved ones or those you care for to ask if they need help.
• To take part in elections you must be registered to vote in person, by post or by proxy. If you live in a care home, you still have the right to vote. The staff there can help you to make sure you are registered. Don't be afraid to ask them.
• You are entitled to have someone accompany you 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, 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.

"One in three people born today will develop dementia. It’s the biggest health and social care issue of our time, yet it isn’t the priority it should be amongst decision-makers.

"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 next UK Government must increase dementia diagnosis rates and prepare the NHS for the disease modifying treatments on the horizon.  We also need a long-term social care workforce strategy in England so that we have 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.