How do the blind and disabled vote?

WITH only a few weeks left until the provincial and national elections, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has ensured that those who are blind or visually impaired can still make their mark.

IEC uThungulu district regional supervisor Stella Dlamini, said they worked together with the South African National Council for the Blind, to develop a Universal Ballot Template (UBT) which will be used as a voting aid for those with special needs.

‘We have also arranged for those who are visually impaired to be helped by the presiding officers at their chosen voting stations. When they enter, all they have to do is ask for the UBT form at the registration desk and inform the presiding officer of their condition,’ said Dlamini.

Although a separate braille ballot paper is not provided, the UBT template allows for the voter to insert their ballot sheet into the plastic template, where each window aligns the ballot form to a particular candidate or party.

The front of the template has cut-out windows numbered in braille and in large print, making it easy to read.

How do the physically disabled vote?

The IEC is urging physically disabled people to register for special voting, which closes on 18 April.

IEC uThungulu district regional supervisor Stella Dlamini, said disabled, elderly and pregnant voters should apply for special voting.

‘People who may find it difficult to make their way to the voting stations should request that IEC staff visit them at home.

‘They can apply online on the IEC website or they can get a family member to apply on their behalf at their closest IEC office.’

Dlamini said that those who missed the deadline to apply for special voting will still be assisted at the stations on 8 May.

‘Presiding officers will be available to help people to vote comfortably at the stations.’

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