Young people from our Changemakers Youth Voice group share their experiences of voting in new project 

Young people from GYMN’s Changemakers Youth Voice group have shared their experiences of voting as part of a new Electoral Commission project.

Our Changemakers Youth Voice group is made up of disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14 to 25 who want to get their voices heard while meeting people and developing new skills.

During sessions run by GMYN, the group takes part in youth-led campaigns and projects, advocating for inclusive services in the community, and sharing opinions with decision makers, including Manchester City Council. 

The latest project saw the group share their experiences of voting and what barriers they face. During a series of sessions, the group discussed how accessible they find voting and created banners and placards to creatively express their views.

The project was commissioned by the Electoral Commission, the independent body which oversees elections in the UK and works to promote public confidence in the democratic process.

One young person said of the sessions: “We have talked about democracy, the importance of voting, and how some disabled and neurodivergent young people don’t know how to vote or find it hard to register or access voting stations.”

Another said: “It’s been helpful. I need a little bit more practise [to register to vote] but I think I know how and I could ask my sister to help.”

 A third added: “It’s been good. I learnt how to [register to] vote online and I have enjoyed the placards so people can listen to our voice”

Members of the group expressed that they felt voting should be made more accessible for disabled people and that there should be more representation of disabled, neurodivergent and non-binary people in politics. 

Messages on the banners they have created read ‘make voting accessible’, ‘together our voices are louder’ and ‘make voting simple’.  Themes include hope and equality, with the group sharing that it is important to keep hope alive and push for change.

The Changemakers Youth Voice group meets every Thursday at GMYN’s base on Oldham Street, Manchester. 

For more information on the group and future projects contact the project coordinator Luke Wilson by sending an email to [email protected]