Why this project matters?
Making voting information accessible, multilingual, and inclusive for everyone in Scotland.
Voting should be something every person in Scotland can participate in confidently. But many of the people most affected by political decisions are also the ones who face the greatest barriers to accessing voting information.
Everyone's Vote Matters is aims to recognise and remove those barriers, providing clear, multilingual, accessible information that supports New Scots, disabled people, young voters, and anyone who needs extra guidance.
Who faces barriers?
Disabled People
Disability is far more common in Scotland than many realise:
- 27% of people in Scotland identify as disabled.
- 21.4% of population reported a long‑term health condition.
Source: Scottish Government – Disability Equality Plan, Equality Impact Assessment (2025)
​
- Mental health conditions increased from 4.4% to 11.3% (2011-2022).
​Source: Scotland’s Census 2022 – Health, Disability and Unpaid Care (2024)
New Scots & Migrants
Scotland is increasingly diverse, with many navigating voting here for the first time as New Scots.
- 369,000 Scottish residents born outside the UK, doubling since 2001.
Source: Scotland’s Census – Country of Birth (2025)
​
-
195,400 foreign nationals registered to vote (2024)
​Source: National Records of Scotland – People Registered to Vote, December 2024
​
Meaning only 47% of foreign‑born residents appear in the electoral register.​
Young Voters
- 74,800 registered voters aged 16–17 (1.7% of the electorate).
Source: National Records of Scotland – People Registered to Vote, December 2024
Supports: youth registration figures.
​
First-time voters often face procedural hurdles and require clear guidance to participate confidently.
Building engagement early is vital for Scotland’s democratic future.
Understanding the common barriers in our current system is the first step toward making voting truly accessible for everyone in Scotland.
Information Gaps
Many people want to vote but struggle to find clear, reliable information. Key steps, such as who can vote, how to register, what documents are needed, and what happens on polling day are often unclear or difficult to access. For New Scots, disabled people, and first‑time voters, these gaps create barriers long before reaching the polling station.
Process Confusion
For migrants and refugees, Scotland’s voting system may feel unfamiliar. It can be confusing to understand voting rights, whether immigration status affects eligibility, the difference between elections, how to register, or what actions are required. Without simple, multilingual explanations, even motivated voters may feel unsure of what to do.
Confidence
Even when someone is eligible and interested, low confidence and no encouragement can stop them from voting. Many feel excluded from civic conversations or worry about making mistakes. Unfamiliar terminology, limited representation, and lack of beginner‑friendly information can make participation feel intimidating. Supportive, clear guidance helps people feel welcome and empowered. Because everyone's vote does matter.
The Obstacles to Participation
Language Barriers
Most official voting information is only available in English. This makes essential instructions harder to understand for New Scots, ESOL learners, and multilingual families, who may manage everyday English but still find formal guidance, registration rules, or ballot instructions confusing without translations.
Accessibility Issues
Disabled people often face barriers well before election day. Voting materials are not always offered in accessible formats like large print, audio, Easy Read, or high‑contrast versions. Events may lack accommodations, and chances to ask questions or engage with candidates can be limited, making the process harder for people with visual, cognitive, or neurodivergent access needs.