Summary
Accommodation to vote should be made for voters with special needs, including the illiterate.
Obligations
Election Parts
Issues
Quotes
- States should foster citizen participation in the electoral process by] safeguarding the right to vote of vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, people who are illiterate, etc.) by adapting polling stations and voting material to their needs.
- Electors who are unable to vote unaided under standard procedures, e.g., blind or illiterate voters, have the right to be provided with assistance. Wherever possible, however, steps should be taken to enable them to vote without assistance. Procedures for assistance should be regulated and publicised before election day. Assistance in marking a ballot paper should only be provided to those who would not otherwise be able to cast a ballot. The assistance provided should be independent, honest and protect the secrecy of the voter’s choice. It is best practice that the person can choose who can assist them to vote, although there may be restrictions on the number of times an individual can provide assistance. Those providing assistance should be impartial and therefore should not be candidate or party representatives.
- There should be clear procedures for the provision of necessary assistance to disabled, illiterate and elderly voters that protect, as far as possible, their right to vote secretly.