The National Election Commission arranged ways to support voting by voters with disabilities in June 4 local elections to guarantee their political right.

The NEC inspected facilities for voters with disabilities, together with relevant agencies and the Association of the Handicapped before deciding on polling stations.

The NEC arranged the following ways to provide conveniences to voters with disabilities:

Voters with severe disabilities can dial 1390 by the day before election day to be provided with a vehicle with a lift and 2 persons to assist them with voting.

Temporary polling booths are installed on the ground level to facilitate voting by those with disabilities or the elderly unless a polling station is located on the ground level.

The voting guide with sign language interpretation is provided to hearing impaired voters and the following to vision impaired voters:

-     The Braille voting guide;

-     The CD type of voice voting guide;

-     Two-dimensional barcode that converts text into voice once scanned;

-     Braille leaflets produced to introduce the election system;

-     Reinforced web accessibility of the NEC website; and

-     Braille marking tools at each polling station.

In addition, the NEC will install polling booths with electric mobility scooter (wheelchair) access for voters with partial immobility and assign more than 2 polling station attendants to assist voters with disabilities with voting.

Meanwhile, the NEC will provide vehicles from/to polling stations for voters residing in areas without easy access to public transportation. Members of the Election Surveillance Unit or commissioners of Eup/Myeon/Dong Election Commission will also board the vehicles to prevent any illegal campaign activities.    

The NEC said it would continue its efforts to enable those with disabilities to vote without difficulty while asking for participation in voting.