Mental disorder and voting

Abstract

An individual needs only to have his or her name on the electoral register to be eligible to vote in this country. For the majority of people appearance on this document is determined solely on place of residence. Prior to 1983 individuals with mental disorder were excluded from voting altogether. Curious anomalies in the law continue to prevent certain groups from exercising this right. Mental health care provision has changed since the introduction of the law, which is now outdated and in need of urgent reform.

Key Words:

• mental disorder
• compulsory detention
• voting