The right to participate in political processes is a basic democratic right that is rooted in human rights conventions and comprises the right to cast a ballot in secret elections. A characteristic of a democracy is that all adult citizens have equal opportunities to take part and influence the political processes. Inadequate accessibility is a democratic problem.
A large portion of the population has reduced functional ability for the whole or parts of their lives, e.g. during periods of illness or injury, during pregnancy or in old age.
Given this diversity in the population, it is important to ensure that everyone who wishes to vote has the opportunity to do so without encountering barriers. To include everybody requires special consideration in the planning process.
Equal opportunities to participate requires accessible polling stations. Likewise must election-related information be available to everyone who is entitled to vote. This guide has been prepared in order to assist the municipalities in the planning process. The target group is the returning committee, election officials and others who participate in the planning and implementation of elections in the municipalities.
The guide emphasizes solutions that will provide accessibility to persons with various types of disabilities. Many others will also benefit from good solutions, good solutions makes it easier for everybody.
We hope the guide will be useful in the work on planning and effectuating elections for everyone who is entitled to vote.