Elections

To make Canada's electoral process at all levels fully accessible to voters who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted.

Currently, barriers continue to prevent blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians from participating fully in the electoral process. These include:

receiving information about candidates platforms in print only,
receiving candidates lists in print only
receiving the ballot in print only

Currently, when voting, there may be a list of candidates in Braille or large print, and sometimes, a template with which to mark the ballot. However, it is not possible for a blind, deaf/blind or partially sighted voter to independently verify that he/she has placed their x in the intended location.

Casting an informed vote is considered to be the most important act a citizen performs in a democracy. Persons who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted must be afforded the same rights as their sighted counterparts.

1. Amend election acts to allow for alternative accessible methods of voting

2. Ensure all party and candidate websites conform to the most recent accessibility standards, and that content be provided in multiple formats such as Braille, large print, e-text, and not solely in PDF

Please join the AEBC in pressuring governments at all levels, to develop policies and legislation that will ensure that Canada's electoral systems are fully accessible to blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted Canadians.