Provisions have been made to ensure that elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities can comfortably and safely exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election, according to Chief Elections Officer Herman St Helen.
Speaking on the measures in place, St Helen confirmed that both logistical and operational arrangements have been established to accommodate voters who may face mobility challenges or other physical limitations on election day.
Ensuring smooth access to polling stations for vulnerable voters he says is also a priority.
Special instructions have been issued to election officials to give priority assistance to the elderly, pregnant women, and persons living with disabilities when they arrive to vote. “Provisions are made for differently abled persons to exercise their voting rights. All election officers have been instructed that priority must be given to these groups. Assistant poll clerks will monitor the flow of voters and alert the presiding officer when an elderly or disabled voter is present, so that person can be moved to the front of the line and facilitated immediately,” St Helen explained.
In cases where immediate access is not possible, arrangements will be made for seating to ensure comfort while waiting. “We have suggested that chairs be made available so that elderly or disabled voters may sit until the officer is able to receive them,” he added.
Addressing transportation and outside assistance, the Chief Elections Officer noted that political parties traditionally make their own arrangements to bring voters close to polling stations. “Different political parties use different strategies to transport voters,” he said. “Once these individuals are within proximity of the polling station, our election staff takes over and ensures that the presiding officer is notified so that the voter is assisted without delay.”
St Helen emphasized that the Electoral Department’s goal is to remove all unnecessary barriers to voting and ensure that every eligible citizen, regardless of age or physical ability, can participate fully in the democratic process on election day.
