Disabled voters applaud by-election access

The St Alban’s Primary School polling station emerged as a model of efficiency and accessibility in Wednesday’s by-election, with voters—including many elderly and disabled citizens—hailing the smooth process and accessibility that allowed all to exercise their democratic rights with relative ease.

“I would give this process and the accessibility of the building ten stars,” said Perro Holloway, president of the Barbados National Organisation of the Disabled (BARNOD).

“The process has gone well, in terms of the coordination and the actual voting process. We in the disabled community have always been concerned about accessibility regarding our rights to vote. So I’m happy to see that more significant light is being shown on the fact of persons with disabilities exercising their democratic right.”

Holloway, who praised the voting experience for its ease and inclusivity, said he was especially pleased with how accessible the school was for persons with disabilities.

“The ramps are the correct height…. I was ably assisted and I think she did an extremely good job,” he said, referring to the person who guided him to vote at the polling station.

He acknowledged the importance of continued advocacy and improvement: “Some sections in the disabled community are looking at how this process goes in making recommendations…to make it even better in the future.”

Holloway also expressed hope for electronic voting options in the future to further empower disabled voters.

“That may need an electronic voting process where the person can actually do it themselves,” he said.

While Holloway had no major complaints, Irene Bowen, who assisted a blind man, noted that “the terrain is a bit difficult for a blind person… the exit was a bit difficult for him”.

“A ramp would have been better,” she said, though noting that the voting process itself went smoothly.

Another voter, Douglas Rock, said it was easier than during the last general election, though he admitted, “going up [the ramp] is always difficult… coming down is a little better.”

Rupert Burnham, 99 years old and in a wheelchair, made the journey to vote with help. Despite some exertion on the part of his caregiver to enter and exit, his commitment was unwavering. “All my life” is how long he’s been voting, he said proudly.

Duncan Cumberbatch, a volunteer transport provider, said he had already completed six trips that morning and had transported about 15 people to two different locations. “Out there look like a victory,” he said of the day’s operations.

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb