Having dementia does not mean you are unable to vote, says charity

Ahead of the General Election on 4 July 2024, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru warns that many people living with dementia in Wales may not know their voting rights and are offering advice.

No one can be prevented from voting because they have dementia. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru says it is important to know this so that people with dementia have an equal voice in their communities.

For the 50,000 people affected by dementia in Wales, 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.

Alzheimer’s Society shares the following tips for those living with dementia and their carers:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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: “People with dementia have the same right to vote as everyone else, and cannot be prevented from voting because they have dementia. It is important to know this so that people with dementia have an equal voice in their communities”

If you are worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s symptom checklist. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for everyone affected by dementia. Call their Support Line on 0333 150 3456, if you speak Welsh call the Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400, or visit alzheimers.org.uk