Visually impaired voters invited to register to vote independently in April council elections

Visually impaired voters who wish to mark their ballot papers independently in the upcoming local council elections can now register with the Elections Commission (EC).

The EC said registration is open until 22:00 on February 23, and voters can register by calling 1414. The service is available from 09:00 to 22:00 every day except Sundays, and from 15:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.

Independent voting for visually impaired persons was enabled through an amendment passed by Parliament on May 29, 2023, allowing voters to use a tactile ballot template.

The template was first used in the 2023 presidential election, during which 45 voters cast their ballots using the device, according to EC figures.

The plastic template is made of a firm material and includes raised markers next to each candidate’s name, along with the candidate number. It is designed so the ballot paper can be inserted into the template or aligned beneath it, enabling voters to mark their choice without assistance.

The next local council elections are scheduled for April 4.