Vol. 406 No. 7
207 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that easy access will be considered for handicapped persons who wish to vote at their polling stations; and if he will make the necessary arrangements for a designated handicapped voting booth in each polling station to accommodate wheelchairs and to offer maximum privacy to handicapped people while voting.
Under existing law, the following facilities are provided for voting by physically disabled electors: a disabled person who is unable to go in person to vote at his polling station may apply for registration as a special voter and vote at home; a disabled person who has difficulty in gaining access to his own polling station may apply to have his vote transferred to another polling station in the same constituency or local electoral areas; and a disabled person who requires assistance in marking his ballot paper may be assisted by a companion or by the presiding officer.
In addition, returning officers are advised that polling stations should be so located as to provide easy access by disabled electors and the provision of ramps should be considered wherever necessary.
