This week Derg SDLP Candidate Jim McIntyre has expressed outrage following a local GP Practice charging £15 to have a postal vote form signed for an elderly resident.
Mr McIntyre spoke of his anger following the resident contacting him and spoke of their frustration as they could not afford to pay the £15 to have the form signed and be able to vote.
Speaking on the matter Mr McIntyre said "I was outraged to hear that an elderly resident from Strabane was quoted £15 from a local GP practice to have their postal vote form filled in by a qualified person. The gentleman in question is unable to go to the polling station on Election Day himself due to problems with his mobility."
"I recommended he fill in an application form for a postal vote as this would allow him to vote without having to go to the polling station. On the back it is required that a qualified medical professional sign the form to confirm they cannot vote in person. He then discovered, after contacting his medical practice, it was £15 per form."
"This is totally unacceptable. It is a basic human right to be allowed to vote in free democratic elections. £15 to a pensioner is a lot of money that many cannot afford to spend in the current economic climate. Due to this fee he is being denied his right to vote. The SDLP have always strived to ensure that basic human rights for everyone are protected."
"I am calling on all medical centres to provide this service for free to ensure everyone can vote in the forthcoming elections. It is a fundamental human right to vote and the issue of affordability should not affect this right in any way."
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