Accessible voting precincts for PWDs a good start, but more inclusive coverage still needed

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Photo dated Wednesday, May 4, 2022 shows PWDs in wheelchairs outside the basketball court of the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in Cainta, Rizal, which is set to be used as a Satellite Emergency Accessible Polling Places by the Comelec Vulnerable Sectors Office in the 2022 elections.

Philstar.com / Franco Luna

 

MANILA, Philippines — Historically, the persons with disability sector has always found itself in a tough spot come election season. Many are forced to labor up the stairs of multi-level barangay facilities and schools just to exercise their right to vote.

 

The mobility problem for vulnerable sectors — including senior citizens and pregnant women — is well-documented in the Philippines. But when the polls come around, this results in PWDs giving up on voting altogether. 

 

For the Commission on Elections' Vulnerable Sectors Office, the answer might just be to bring the voting places to them. It's good news for a sector that posted just a 67% voter turnout in 2019.

 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/05/06/2179194/accessible-voting-precincts-pwds-good-start-more-inclusive-coverage-still-needed

 

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