A survey of voting practices in an acute psychiatric unit.

The aim of this survey was to investigate the voting practices of patients on an acute psychiatric unit in the General Election 2011. Our survey showed that only 10% of patients voted and many patients were unaware of their right to vote. We recommend that all patients should be routinely informed of their right to vote as part of their hospital admission. Voting should be facilitated by hospital staff and advocacy where practicable.