Senada Halilčević is a self-advocate from Croatia who has previously served as chair of the European Platform of Self-Advocates (EPSA) and Vice-President of Inclusion Europe. In this testimonial, she shares her views on the importance of accessible voting materials, especially for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Why it’s important for me to vote in the European elections
It is important to me because I can select my representative that will represent my country in the European Parliament. I voted in the 2019 European elections, but I don’t think that my voice was heard.
Everyone should be able to vote because everyone should be able to give their opinion through their favourite representative and fight for their rights. I would say that if someone doesn’t want to vote, they leave their voice for other people who will vote for some politics that they want.
How Europe could better support people with disabilities who want to vote
I personally haven’t faced any accessibility barriers in voting. But I know some people read the ballot wrong and circled the wrong person, even though they didn’t want to, because they didn’t have support.
There should be accessible ballots, in a way that next to each candidate or party is a picture or symbol of them. That way it would be easier for people to choose.
How decision-makers should ensure equal access in voting
It should be accessible physically, in a way they can come to the voting place, and also accessible ballots so that people can easily circle their choice.