Got accessibility issues with voting? Here’s what you might need to know
As Karthik Babu Menon eagerly prepares to cast his vote in his first federal election, he is not just focused on marking his ballot but also on the potential challenges he may encounter in accessing the voting booth. As someone who uses a walker to navigate Saskatoon, he has found voting to be fairly accessible in the past. However, he believes there are still ways to enhance the voting process, such as transitioning from pencil and paper ballots to touch screen technology.
Born with cerebral palsy, Karthik struggles with dexterity in his hands and muscle coordination in his legs. His personal experiences have fueled his passion for advocating for improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As a client services coordinator at Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan, he is acutely aware of the difficulties his clients face in reaching polling stations, particularly those who rely on Access Transit for transportation.
While some individuals with disabilities may opt to mail in their ballots, others, like Karthik’s clients, prefer to exercise their right to vote in person. Despite efforts to enhance accessibility, disabled voters continue to encounter barriers beyond physical obstacles at polling locations. Research conducted by Elections Canada highlights disparities in voter turnout, awareness of alternative voting methods, and satisfaction with election-related information among disabled electors.
Marie-France Kenny, a regional media advisor with Elections Canada, emphasizes the agency’s commitment to ensuring a positive voting experience for individuals with disabilities. Over time, efforts have been made to facilitate voting proximity, ensure physical accessibility, and provide necessary tools for all voters. The organization remains open to feedback and innovative ideas to further enhance accessibility.
The passage of the Accessible Canada Act, establishment of an advisory group, and issuance of progress reports underscore the ongoing commitment to making voting more inclusive. In addition to traditional polling stations, long-term care facilities, such as Sherbrooke Community Centre, will host on-site voting stations on election day. This initiative aims to make voting more convenient and accessible for residents with mobility challenges.
To access information on accessibility, Elections Canada offers a dedicated section on its website outlining available tools and services, criteria for accessible polling stations, and support options for voters requiring assistance. Voters can access information in various formats, including video content in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ). Common accessibility options include different writing implements, magnifiers, and support from election staff or designated individuals.
Voters uncertain about the accessibility of their polling station can contact Elections Canada for assistance. While the deadline for requesting interpreters has passed, individuals are encouraged to reach out for accommodations if needed. In the event of issues at the polls, voters are encouraged to communicate with election workers and provide feedback through suggestion boxes.
As Karthik and other voters prepare to participate in the democratic process, the collective goal remains to ensure voting accessibility for all Canadians. By actively engaging with election workers and providing feedback, individuals can contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in the electoral process.
