Blind SA has provided a short and simple description of ways in which a blind or partially sighted person is entitled to vote on Wednesday, 8 May and how the process will work.

Denise Frost of Blind SA said if you are unable to read, you may request the presiding officer or voting officer to assist you to vote.

She explained: “The officer must then assist you in the presence of a person appointed by an accredited observer and two agents from different parties, if such persons are available. Alternatively, you are entitled to request to be assisted by someone nominated by you to assist you, if the presiding officer is satisfied that such a person is at least 18 years old and is not an agent or candidate of a political party.

If you prefer to vote independently, you may request a universal ballot template (UBT) from the presiding officer and to be allowed to use the template in privacy in the voting booth to cast your secret ballot.”

She added in all these cases, secrecy of the vote must be preserved as far as possible.

“In the past it sometimes happened that blind or partially sighted voters experienced difficulties in casting their votes because presiding officers were unaware of the provisions of the Electoral Act.”

Denise said if you intend to use any of the methods described above and experience difficulties, then refer the presiding officer to the following legal provisions which govern the following rights …

• section 39 of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998,

• The Constitution of South Africa, Bill of Rights, Chapter 2, article 19,

• Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as ratified by government.

Visit their website at https://www.blindsa.org.za for more information.