Disabled student couldn’t get into polling station because of four-inch step

Sam Smith, 20, had to wait outside as election staff cast his vote for him in Newcastle, making him feel like a 'second class citizen'. 

A student who uses a wheelchair was unable to get into his polling station to vote yesterday because it had a step.

Sam Smith, 20, had to wait outside as election staff cast his vote for him in Newcastle, making him feel like a ‘second class citizen’.

He said: ‘I didn’t even see the vote go in the box.

‘I don’t technically know if my vote has even been cast.’

The polling station at Leazes Lane had a ramp, but it was not effective because of a four-inch step.

Newcastle City Council has since offered its ‘unreserved apologies’ to the Newcastle University student.

However, Sam claims this is the second time this year it has happened, after he was unable to access the same building at May’s local council election.

He said: ‘It’s 2019 and disabled people are still treated like second class citizens.’

Sam, who lost the ability to walk aged 10 due to his muscular dystrophy, also claims staff only spoke with him indirectly via his carer, which made the second year journalism student feel ‘pretty sad’.

He spoke out on Twitter about the ‘discrimination’ he claims he faced as he tried exercising his democratic right in the Newcastle Central constituency.

‘For the second time running I have been to my local polling station to find out it wasn’t accessible, it’s 2019 and disabled people are still treated like second class citizens,’ he tweeted.

He said he fears his vote might not have been confidential, and going forward wants access improved at all stations.

‘I had considered doing a postal vote, but it is people’s right to vote and the fact I am disabled shouldn’t matter at all,’ he added.

A council spokesman said: ‘We are very sorry to hear that Mr Smith experienced difficulties in accessing his polling station today and we offer our unreserved apologies for this.

‘In choosing polling stations we often have to use existing community facilities, many of which are not owned or managed by the council, and this can sometimes mean different accessibility standards exist.

‘It is important that everyone is able to exercise their democratic right to vote and we aim to ensure that anyone who needs additional support to do so can get the assistance they need.

‘While Mr Smith was still able to cast his vote, we accept that the lack of wheelchair access to the building falls short of the equalities standards we aim to achieve and we will strive to do better in future.’