Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Accessible electoral process?

While I was at IL Canada we produced several fact sheets about issues that were important to the disability community, including a fact sheet about the political rights of persons with disabilities. This fact sheet outlines some of the barriers facing voters with disabilities.

With Ontario's provincial election fast approaching, questions around accessibility and the voting process are again a priority for the disability community. According to Elections Ontario, some voters in Ontario will have the opportunity to access technologies that will enable a more independence at the polls. These technologies are in addition to existing measures to help make voting more accessible.

While these technologies are a welcome addition to a process that has remained inaccessible for many voters, we must keep in mind that this latest initiative will only be available 147 returning offices, and that political engagement extends beyond just the ballot box. Indeed, we need to continue to push for a process which ensures accessibility throughout the political process (i.e. campaign material in accessible formats, accessible venues for political debates, accessible transportation, the inclusion of disability issues in public debates etc.).

For more information about the candidates and history of your riding, check out the CBC's handy elections tool, and do insist local candidates, campaigns, and events are fully accessible.



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