Voting reform brings more inclusivity

Last month Members of the Scottish Parliament voted unanimously in favour of amendments to the Scottish Elections (Reform) Bill which could make voting easier at future elections for those who are visually impaired.

Having worked alongside the Scottish Government’s Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Graeme Dey, to pen these amendments and as the convener of the Cross-Party Group on Disability, I was encouraged to see the amendments receive unanimous cross-party support. The result of these amendments is that a new electronic voting system for people with disabilities will be piloted at the next Scottish Parliament Election, due to happen in May 2021. For hundreds of people who are blind or partially sighted, this may be the first time they are able to vote without requiring help from someone in the polling booth. Over the years there has been significant improvements to the electoral system, becoming more inclusive for those with disabilities, but it would seem that people with visual impairments have been left behind.

Therefore, I celebrate the passing of these amendments, however, I will also continue to call upon the parliament to ensure that no particular group are left behind in future advances to make Scotland more disability-inclusive.