Maintaining Independence: A Guide to Voting From a Care Home

Living in a care home doesn't mean giving up your right to participate in democracy. In fact, care home residents have the same voting rights as any other UK citizen. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about voting from care homes, ensuring that your voice is heard in an election.

Who has the right to vote from a care home?

All care home residents who meet the general eligibility criteria have the right to vote. To be eligible, you must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Registered to vote
• A British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
• A resident at a UK address or registered as an overseas voter
• Not legally excluded from voting (e.g., serving a prison sentence or having committed electoral crimes)

It's important to note that living with dementia, a learning disability, or any other medical condition does not affect your right to vote. As long as you meet the above criteria, you are entitled to cast your ballot.

How can care home residents register to vote?

Registering to vote is a crucial first step in exercising your democratic rights. You can register online or by post. To register, you'll need:

• Your full legal name
• Address
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number (if you have one)
• Contact information

The process is straightforward and can be completed in about five minutes. If you need assistance, care home staff should be able to help you with the registration process.

What are the different ways care home residents can vote?

Care home residents have several options for casting their vote:

Voting in person

If you're able to, you can visit your local polling station on election day. Polling stations are required to have reasonable adjustments in place for voters with disabilities.

Postal voting

Anyone can apply for a postal vote, which allows you to cast your ballot from the comfort of your care home.

Proxy voting

This option allows you to nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf.

How can care home residents apply for a postal vote?

Applying for a postal vote is a popular option for many care home residents. To apply, you must already be registered to vote. You'll need to provide your name and address, date of birth, national Insurance number, and a clear photo of your signature in black pen on plain white paper.

What is proxy voting and how does it work for care home residents?

Proxy voting allows you to appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf. This can be particularly useful for residents who may have difficulty getting to a polling station or completing a postal vote. To apply for a proxy vote, you'll need:

• Your personal details (name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number)
• The name and address of your chosen proxy
• A reason for needing a proxy vote (e.g., illness or disability)

What support is available for care home residents who want to vote?

Various forms of support are available to ensure that care home residents can exercise their right to vote:

Easy-read guides

These provide simple instructions on how to register to vote and apply for postal or proxy voting.

Assistance at polling stations

Staff at polling stations can offer help and support throughout the voting process. You're also allowed to bring a carer with you if needed.

Reasonable adjustments

Polling stations should have wheelchair-accessible booths, magnifiers, large print ballot papers, and other aids available.

Care home staff support

Your care home staff should be able to assist you with registering to vote, applying for postal or proxy votes, and understanding the voting process.

How can care home residents living with dementia or learning disabilities be supported to vote?

People living with dementia or learning disabilities have the right to vote and should be supported in doing so if they wish. Here are some ways to provide support:

• Offer clear, simple explanations of the voting process
• Use easy-read materials to explain candidates and policies
• Ensure the person understands they have a choice in whether to vote and who to vote for
• Provide assistance in completing forms or ballots, if requested

Remember, while support can be offered, the final decision on whether to vote and who to vote for must always be the individual's own choice.

How can KYN support residents in exercising their right to vote?

At KYN, we believe that maintaining independence and personal choice is crucial for our residents' wellbeing, and this extends to their democratic rights. We are committed to supporting our residents in exercising their right to vote. We understand that each resident's needs and preferences are unique. Some may wish to engage fully in the electoral process, while others may choose not to participate. Our role is to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to vote if they wish, while always respecting their personal choice. If you or your loved one is considering a move to a KYN care home and would like to know more about how we support our residents' independence, including their right to vote, we encourage you to get in touch. Our team would be delighted to answer any questions you may have and provide you with more information about life at KYN.