From Parking Lots to Ballots: Six Best Practices for Inclusive Voting in Nova Scotia

Accessible voting is about ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can exercise their democratic right to vote. Here are some best practices to make voting stations in Nova Scotia more inclusive and accessible.

1. Accessibility Starts in the Parking Lot

Ensure parking areas are well-lit and have designated accessible spaces close to the entrance. Pathways from the parking lot to the voting station should be free of obstacles and clearly marked. Automatic doors or attendants to assist at entry points are crucial for voters with mobility challenges.

2. Clear signage is essential

Use high-contrast colours and large fonts to guide voters from the parking area to the voting station. Provide signs in Braille and tactile formats for individuals with visual impairments. Directional markers, such as floor arrows or tactile paths, help voters navigate unfamiliar spaces.

3. Inside the Voting Station

The layout of the voting station should be open and easy to move through. Wide pathways allow space for wheelchairs and walkers. Keep surfaces non-slip and minimize clutter. Ensure seating is available for those who may need to rest while waiting.

Provide voting booths at varying heights to accommodate wheelchair users and those who prefer to sit. Ensure lighting is bright but non-glare, so voters can clearly see what they are doing.

4. Accessible Voting Materials

Offer ballots in multiple formats, such as large print or Braille. Devices with audio instructions can also assist voters with visual impairments. Provide easy-to-read instructions on how to mark and submit ballots, using plain language and pictograms where possible.

5. Support for Voters

Staff at voting stations should be trained in accessibility. They should understand how to provide respectful assistance and use clear communication. Voters should feel comfortable asking for help. Offer options like personal assistance or support from a companion if needed.

6. Electronic Voting and Accessibility

Electronic voting can make voting more accessible if designed thoughtfully. Features like large screens, audio instructions, and compatibility with assistive devices such as screen readers improve usability. However, not all electronic voting systems meet accessibility standards. Testing and feedback from people with disabilities are critical to ensuring these systems are inclusive.

Online voting, while convenient, also raises questions of accessibility. Some systems lack features like screen reader compatibility or easy navigation. In Nova Scotia, additional investments in accessible technology could make this a viable option for more voters.

Accessibility doesn’t end at the planning stage. After every election, gather feedback from voters with disabilities to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Accessibility standards should evolve alongside technology and community needs.

Making voting stations accessible benefits everyone, creating a more inclusive and equitable society. From well-lit parking lots to clear signage in Braille, thoughtful planning ensures every voter in Nova Scotia can participate fully. While electronic and online voting offer potential, they require careful design and ongoing testing to meet the highest accessibility standards. Accessible voting is a shared responsibility—and a cornerstone of democracy.

Click on this link which will take you to the Rick Hansen Foundation website that lists best practices for accessible voting Ontario, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have introduced.

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