Comelec to set up voting place for PWDs

CEBU, Philippines - An accessible polling place will be established for persons with disabilities (PWDs) who will be voting in next year’s elections.

This is pursuant to the Commission on Election Resolution No. 9485, which provides for the rules and regulations for voting of PWDs and for the establishment of accessible polling places in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

In a memorandum, Comelec Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento has directed all Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors and Elections Officers to submit a list of voting centers with PWD voters in preparation for the establishment of the accessible polling place for them.

The accessible polling place will be established in voting centers with two-storey or higher voting areas that may hinder PWDs to exercise their right to suffrage due to their condition.

Election Officer Marchel Sarno of Comelec Cebu City North District said that there are almost 1,000 PWD voters in his district.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 9485, the existing precinct assignment of PWDs will be maintained, but the polling place shall be assigned at the ground floor of the voting center.

“The accessible polling place should be established in an area spacious enough to accommodate more than 10 PWD voters at a given time and considers the mobility requirements of PWDs particularly those who are wheelchair users,” the resolution reads.

The accessible polling place must be free of physical barriers and must provide the necessary mobility, communications and other forms of assistance to the PWDs.

“Accessibility of polling places to PWD voters on election day is an obligation of the State to ensure ‘equality’ and ‘full participation’ of PWDs in social life, development and in particular to the exercise of their right to suffrage,” the resolution further reads.

The voting for registered and qualified PWDs shall be done on the same day as the national and local elections is conducted. Next year’s election is scheduled on May 13.

Meanwhile, the registration of voters shall resume today after being suspended from October 1 to October 5 to give way to the filing of certificate of candidacy.

All those who wish to participate in the May 13, 2013 elections are advised to register before the deadline on October 31.  (FREEMAN)