TN Elections 2016: Special Arrangements For Physically Disabled People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe3O-qxZ488
Mr. Sivagnanam, Chief electoral officer, explained that efforts had been taken to make all the polling booths accessible, and that a brochure had been brought out for persons with disabilities, in addition to the many camps held for them to apply for registering them for voting. “We have also trained polling officials on assistance that may be needed by persons with disabilities and are asking residents to register online in case they need a wheelchair and also to register with their EPIC number on 1950 so that we can provide any other facilities needed,” he said.
How the process would work for those with visual impairment was brought up, and Mr. Sivagnanam said ballot papers were being brought out in Braille with the list of candidates, and a number beside each.
“The EVMs will have these numbers in Braille and the voter can read the Braille ballot paper at the booth, decide on the candidate and then vote. In case the voter cannot read Braille, they can take an attendant, who will have to sign a declaration form and will then be able to help the voter vote,” he said.
One resident stressed on the need for accessible elections to be the norm across the country for every election.
Another asked why persons with disabilities were not election observers. T. S. Krishnamurthy, former chief election commissioner of India, said that there was no technical objection to this and persons with disabilities could definitely be brought in. “They may need support as in some cases, they may need to take immediate action,” he said.
