SOME disabled people were denied their vote at this year's General Election because they were turned away at the polling station or were unable to get inside, a report has said.

The Electoral Commission report revealed that 72 per cent of voters with disabilities believed the June 8 poll was well run - considerably fewer than the 80 per cent recorded among those without disabilities.

In a survey of more than 3,500 voters, the commission heard complaints from disabled people that voting literature was difficult to read or understand and that polling stations were hard to access.

Some were unaware they could take someone with them to help them cast their ballot or could ask polling station staff to assist.

The report recorded complaints that

  • Polling booths were too narrow for wheelchairs
  • Noise and flickering lights caused anxiety for some disabled voters
  • Staff did not offer tactile voting devices, or did not know how to use them
  • Disabled people were unable to vote in secret

The report found that 5 per cent of disabled people said it was hard for them to get into the polling station, adding: "We have heard of times when someone with a disability has not been able to vote.

"They have gone to the polling station and been sent away or they have not been able to get in. Other people said that voting at their polling station made them feel uncomfortable."

The commission recommended changes to ensure people with disabilities can register to vote and take part in elections.

People with disabilities could be offered a choice of polling station or allowed to vote in advance, the commission said, and it urged political parties to publish accessible versions of their manifestos at the same time as the main document.

Electoral Commission chairman Sir John Holmes said: "It is disappointing that we continue to hear about people with disabilities being unable to vote in secret, or even turned away from a polling station. This cannot be allowed to happen in our democracy.

"Voters with a disability should have access to the right support to ensure they can cast their vote with confidence. The commission will step up its work with the UK's governments, disability organisations and everyone involved in running elections to ensure there are no barriers to voting."

Rob Holland, head of parliamentary affairs for learning disability charity Mencap, said: "The Electoral Commission's very welcome report highlights once again that people with a learning disability are being excluded from democratic process.

"Without access to easy read versions of voting guides and manifestos, many voters with a learning disability do not have the tools to make an informed decision, despite often being the first to feel effects of government policy."