People with disabilities and voting – What can be done better?

[snoop1130]

 

As Thailand’s General Election 2023 is drawing near, it may seem to be a matter of personal choice whether to exercise our right to vote but, for people with disabilities and the elderly with physical limitations, there are complications. For them, it is not just about their will or right to vote, but also having access to the facilities throughout the voting procedure that ensure their ability to vote.  

 

Know Your Rights

 

Thailand’s MP Election Act of 2018 stipulates that voting booths be prepared for people with disabilities and the elderly within the constituency, under the supervision of the election commission, with trained staff and equipment that meet their needs. The voting booths have to be placed 1.5 m. apart and contain a chair.

 

The law also allows assistance in voting by a person of the elector’s own choice, a family member or another trusted person, to mark the ballot paper for them. The election commission at the unit then writes a remark in the report to account for independent and private voting. Effectively assisting voters with disabilities should not be seen as an additional burden, but as part of the normal voting process.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/people-with-disabilities-and-voting-what-can-be-done-better/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-04-05

 

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[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As Thailand’s General Election 2023 is drawing near, it may seem to be a matter of personal choice whether to exercise our right to vote but, for people with disabilities and the elderly with physical limitations, there are complications. For them, it is not just about their will or right to vote, but also having access to the facilities throughout the voting procedure that ensure their ability to vote

2023 you'd think a postal vote or Online service would be made available to all those who cannot physically get to a voting station.?