Recapping the Accessible Election Hustings

Together with our friends at Brighton & Hove Speak Out, we had a great time hosting an Accessible Election Hustings at The Brighthelm Centre in Brighton on Friday 21st June 2024.

Ben Doehren was our MC. He mentored his co-host, Michael, who was new to the role.

The Accessible Election Hustings was an opportunity for people to learn more about voting and to hear from local candidates in the run-up to the UK’s next General Election.

Robert English, a Grace Eyre Ambassador, said:

“Democracy is important. Taking part in this election is really important for people who’ve got learning disabilities, neurodiversity and autism because people with learning disabilities sometimes feel that politicians don’t listen to them.”

Over 70 people came to meet the candidates, listen and ask questions.

We invited a variety of political parties. On the day, the Greens, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and an independent were represented by:

• Sian Berry (Green)
• Tanushka Marah (Independent)
• Michael Wang (Liberal Democrats)
• Sarah Webster (Conservatives)

The Accessible Election Hustings started with a presentation by Cleo Dibb, Grace Eyre’s Our Voices Manager. Cleo talked about different forms of voter identification (ID) and explained how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

After Cleo spoke, each candidate had a couple of minutes to introduce themselves. The introductions were followed by a lively Question & Answer (Q&A) session where the four candidates had an opportunity to answer every question.

Many people asked questions about all sorts of issues. Some of the questions were:

• Will you do something about us having to be continually reassessed for benefits, even though our disabilities do not change?
• What mental health support will you offer learning disabled people if you come into power?
• What will you do about private equity companies, hedge funds or offshore businesses who make large amounts of money from peoples benefits?
• Will you reform the voting system so it is more fair?
• Will you stop local authorities from collecting care contribution costs?

Kirsty Pentecost, another Grace Eyre Ambassador who attended, said:

“It was really good. I am glad we got to hear what the candidates had to say.”

The General Election will take place on Thursday 4th July 2024 throughout the United Kingdom to elect all 650 Members of Parliament.

Robert said:

“I know so many people who don’t feel connected to our political system. It’s a great shame because if you don’t vote, you don’t have a say. So, please vote on the 4th of July. Your vote counts!”

Find out about more about the General Election

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who made the Accessible Election Hustings such a positive experience:

• The candidates
• All the organisers, including our friends at Speak Out and Grace Eyre’s Our Voices team
• The Brighthelm Centre

Questions

If you have any questions about the hustings or if you want to know about future events, please get in touch with Cleo Dibb on 07921 095 492 or at cdibb@grace-eyre.org.