3.9 Supporting people with additional needs to register

People with additional needs are often under-represented in democratic processes, including voting and political participation. A significant barrier to participation is the registration process. If there are support workers present, you can also support them to register at the same time. 

Democracy Classroom offers a range of inclusive resources to help people with additional needs understand the voter registration process and feel confident taking part. Here’s a selection of the resources, but visit democracyclassroom.com for more resources: 

• Easy read guide to registering to vote – A clear, visual guide that breaks down each step of registering to vote in simple, accessible language.
• Easy read FAQ: voter registration & voter ID – Covers common questions in an easy read format, with straightforward answers about what’s needed to register and vote.
• Easy read paper voter registration forms – for people with a learning disability. There are separate forms, depending on whether you live in England, Wales or Scotland.
• My Vote, My Voice workshop plan – A flexible session plan that includes SEND-friendly adaptations to help young people explore why voting matters and how to get involved.
• BSL Video: FAQs on registering to vote & your data – A British Sign Language video explaining how registration works and how your data is used.
• BSL Video: voter ID FAQs – A British Sign Language video covering what voter ID is, why it matters, and how to get support.