New measures will help blind and vulnerable vote

Amid a lack of digital accessibility and assistance for the visually impaired and persons suffering from disabilities, thousands of people could not exercise their democratic right to vote.

However, this unfair exclusion is now something of the past thanks to the collective effort of the IEC, Blind SA and the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB).

In 2014, Blind SA began working with the IEC to create fair and easier ways for the visually impaired to vote and have their voices heard.

They invented the universal ballot template (UBT), a voting aid tool made of plastic or cardboard, to allow visually impaired voters to vote unaided in the elections.

According to Blind SA’s Lerato Jiyane, the UBT consists of a hole in the bottom left corner so that the ballot paper fits into it and is correctly placed in the box.

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“This UBT can be used by the visually impaired, the elderly, those having dyslexia and those with low literacy. Blind SA also offers training to blind and partially sighted people on how to use the UBT before elections. In 2019, Blind SA registered as observers for the elections,” she explained.

She said they selected individuals to observe at 20 different voting stations and compiled a report they sent to the IEC.

“A workshop was held in November 2023 with the IEC, Blind SA and SANCB in which issues, clarification of problems and more suggestions were discussed regarding an easier flow to vote and access to assistance for people with disability and visual impairments,” Jiyane said.

Blind SA also created a WhatsApp group that shares information related to voting. This platform allows blind and partially sighted people to ask questions, get assistance and stay informed.

“In a few months, we hope more people will make their mark, especially those who could not because of various barriers. Blind SA will continue to advocate for blind and partially sighted people. We urge everyone to join in the good struggle in all ways possible for a better country with equality and accessibility for all,” she said.

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For more information and assistance, contact the IEC on details below:

• IEC website – www.elections.org.za

• SMS line- ID number to 32810 (SMS is R1)

• WhatsApp line on 060 088 0000

• USSD – *120*432#