How to run an accessible election campaign

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK. This is about 1 in 4 of the UK’s population. Disabled people make up a huge voter demographic, and they should not be forgotten. 

Yet all too often political campaigning materials are inaccessible to disabled people. A shocking 89% of disabled people think politicians do not engage well or at all with them.

Scope is calling on parliamentary candidates, and all political parties, to do better. That’s why we’ve produced guidance, informed by disabled people. It sets out exactly how you can make your campaigns inclusive and accessible.

‘I won't be voting [...] If they are not prepared to make information accessible or the process of voting accessible why would I vote, they don't support disabilities or disabled people unless you are very disabled and you are seen as a no hope [...] The politicians need to make information easy to read and understand for everyone.’ 

Anonymous disabled person from the East Midlands 

If you would like to receive a copy of this guidance please register your interest with us. In the meantime, here are our top tips for ensuring your campaign works for disabled people.

Our top tips for making your campaign accessible

Written materials

It is important that all written content is accessible. Around half of disabled people said communications from politicians were either not very, or not at all accessible. To improve yours,

Choose 14pt font size which is accessible to a wider audience.
Check your colour contrast to make sure that people can read your document.
Choose accessible fonts such as Ariel, Tahoma or Calibri
Offer alternative formats including large print, braille or easy read documents

Online materials

When used well, online content has the potential to reach a wide audience. To ensure yours works for disabled people,

Use accurate, meaningful alt text on every image you post
Add captions and audio descriptions to videos
Avoid using too many emojis as these don’t work well with screen readers
Use capital letters at the start of each word in a hashtag.

Events

Less than 1 in 8 disabled people think going to an event themselves, such as a husting, is accessible. If you are holding an event where you are inviting constituents,

Choose accessible venues that are step free, have enough room for wheelchair users, and have accessible toilets
Provide British Sign Language interpreters and use a venue with a hearing loop
Choose a venue with good transport links and parking nearby.