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Uptake and knowledge of voting rights by adult in-patients during the 2010 UK general election
- Authors:
- MCINTYRE James, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatrist (The), 36(4), April 2012, pp.126-130.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
A total of 152 in-patients resident in Westminster were identified across 12 general adult psychiatric wards in London. A clinician completed survey explored their knowledge about their rights and their attitudes to voting. Of the 84 eligible to vote (55% male, median age 39 years, 50% Caucasian), 38% had voted in the 2005 election. This compares with a turnout of 50.7% in Westminster, 61% nationally. Fifty five of the 84 expressed interested in voting in the 2010 election but only 36 had registered to vote. Overall eligible to vote psychiatric adult in-patients were half as likely to register as the general population and half as likely to vote if registered. Nine out of ten of those unregistered mentioned a lack of knowledge of their eligibility to vote or of the registration process. Long-stay patients were particularly disenfranchised. It seems that, despite a significant proportion of those with mental health problems remaining engaged with politics, many patients and staff are unaware of the new rules giving a greater proportion of in-patients the right to vote and the simplified processes. It is suggested that for future elections timely written information should be provided for both patients and staff. Once registered, patients may need further support to overcome practical and psychological barriers, and cast their vote.