Disability Votes count in Local and European Elections tomorrow, June 7

The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), is encouraging all disabled people to get out and vote on Friday, June 7 to have their voices heard locally and in Europe.

They are also asking Local Authorities to put final checks in place to make sure that disabled people have access to an inclusive voting process.

Commenting ahead of Friday's elections, Elaine Teague, CEO of DFI said: "Experience shows that we are still a long way from having equal participation for voters with disabilities. We are aware of disabled people having to vote in car parks as a result of there being no ramp into the polling station.

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"The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, asks signatories to guarantee that elections are designed and conducted considering different types of disabilities. There is still time between now and Friday to make sure that polling centres and spaces are accessible and accommodating. 

Ms Teague continued: "We are also asking that any issues to do with access to the polling stations and polling itself be highlighted by disabled people and for these experiences to be shared online using our #MakeWayElectionDay hashtag. 

"It's really important that all disabled people can have an accessible and inclusive experience when voting, just like everyone else."