Delhi polls: ballot paper in Braille for visually-challenged

New Delhi, Nov 18 (PTI) Visually-challenged people can now cast their votes without assistance in the Delhi assembly polls as ballot paper in Braille has been prepared for their convenience.

This is for the first time that such a facility has been
provided by the Delhi electoral office as so far such voters
had to take assistance while exercising their franchise.

"But no more. For all the assembly constituencies we have
prepared a ballot paper with details of name of the candidate,
his party name and its serial number on the electronic voting
machine (EVM) in the Braille language," a senior election
officer told PTI.

Explaining the process of how a visually-challenged voter
can exercise his franchise, the official said that the person
concerned will have to ask the election authorities at the
polling booth for Braille ballot paper.

"After reading the ballot paper he can find out the
serial number of his candidate on the EVM. Then he can push
the button in front of the serial number which will also be in
Braille language," the official said.

"Thus, a voter having no eye-sight does not have to look
for any help. This will ensure his secrecy in casting his vote
which is his right," the official added.

He added that only those who can read the special
language can avail themselves of the benefit.

Though the Delhi chief electoral office has not estimated
the number of blind people in the national capital requiring
the facility, ballot papers in Braille will be made available
at every polling station to ensure that they can be used, if
need be.

In April 2004, the Supreme Court had directed the
Election Commission to ensure that all EVMs are equipped with
Braille signs for the benefit of blind people apart from
taking other disabled-friendly measures. PTI