Empower our Vote

This project aimed to educate St. Christophers Services users about their voting rights, political participation, and the Irish electoral system. Workshops empowered service users to engage in the democratic process and increase voter participation among individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

12 participants attended the workshop over six sessions between September and November 2024.  

Participants gained a clear understanding of various types of elections in Ireland, including EU legislation on Disability Rights. 

They learnt how to register to vote, how national and local government works, and how to contact political representatives.  Many participants also registered to vote in the classroom. 

This project used interactive learning techniques, including: 

• The 'Voting Gallery' -a visual and historical exploration of voting rights, 

• 'The Puzzle of Democracy' -a hands-on exercise connecting personal experiences with the importance of voting, 

• Mock voting exercises - a practical experience with the electoral process, and 

• Government coalition-building simulations - which helped participants understand political negotiations and decision-making. 

The final session included a visit to the Local Authority. Learners met local councilors, watched a presentation from Longford Safety Partnership, and observed a council meeting in progress. 

The project encouraged political participation, enhanced digital and civic literacy through voter registration training, and empowered marginalized groups.

Workshops made political education more engaging, inclusive, and relevant to participants' lived experiences.