Accessibility in the voting procedure― Right to vote and the persons with intellectual disabilities

India is one of the world's largest parliamentary democracies and the right to vote is an important right accorded to every citizen of the nation once they turn major.

- DR. NIDHI SHARMA

The main idea underlying the term 'democracy' is the creation of a government by the people and for the people; therefore, it is important that equal opportunity to vote is provided to every citizen. The sole objective of a democratic government is to remove all forms of social and economic inequalities and ensure accessibility when it comes to casting votes. People with intellectual disabilities must also be included in the voting process.

The Election Commission of India's official website states that voters with any of the 21 disabilities listed in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, are considered voters with disabilities. The Commission further provides that every Indian citizen with a disability who is 18 years or older is eligible to register as a voter. Assistive facilities are provided at polling stations, including help desks, ground-floor polling booths, accessible paths, and separate entrances/exits. Wheelchairs, Braille voting machines, and volunteers are also provided. However, there is no mention of people with intellectual disabilities. The Commission is silent on assistive facilities for those with learning disabilities or autism. Therefore, the question remains: How will people with intellectual disabilities cast their vote?