Sefton Council has been recognised for its pioneering work to make sure democracy is available for everyone by improving voting accessibility for disabled residents.

In its new report Creating a Democracy That Works for Us All, launched last week in the Houses of Parliament, the Disability Policy Centre highlights Sefton Council’s work with local charity People First Merseyside.

Mock polling station

This included creating a mock polling station ahead of the May 2024 local elections to help disabled people experience voting was among the measures.

Feedback from many of the participants showed that the experience helped them feel confident about taking part in the democratic process. Some said it made them feel they were ready to vote without support for the first time.

This work came about as a result of Sefton Council’s involvement in a national research project that was led by the Disability Policy Centre. The initiative’s aim was to reduce anxiety around voting, increase confidence, and ensure disabled residents could exercise their democratic rights independently and with dignity.

Democratic process

Cllr Christine Howard, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for elections said: “At Sefton Council, we are determined that the opportunity to take part in the democratic process should be open to everyone that eligible to vote.

“I am delighted that our work to provide this accessibility to the voting system has been valuable to disabled people in Sefton but also that it has been recognised nationally.”

The Creating a Democracy That Works for Us All report found that one in three disabled people surveyed said polling stations were inaccessible, with issues ranging from poor parking and overcrowding to unclear signage and staff support. Sefton Council’s proactive approach was highlighted as a model of good practice for other local authorities.

Further ways to improve voting accessibility

Cllr Howard added: “Sefton Council is now exploring further ways to improve voting accessibility, including auditing polling stations, enhancing staff training, and working with community groups and colleges to hold more mock polling stations on the run up to elections.

“And we are busy answering enquiries from other Councils across the country who have read about our work in the report and want to know more.”

You can read more on this and download the full report here.

People can find out more about elections in Sefton at www.Sefton.gov.uk/elections.