Elections Through the Eyes of Persons with Visual Impairment (PVI): The Experiences of PVIs on the Accessible Polling Places (APPs) During the 2022 National and Local Elections

Abstract

The Philippines is a democratic country. Hence, every voter must have equal opportunity to cast their votes during elections. But a significant number of Filipino voters still experience physical barriers and challenges in their voting experiences. These are the persons with visual impairment (PVIs). Since the Philippine voting process is highly dependent on visual means, PVIs must have access to assistive devices, such as Braille ballots or audio ballot system, to independently cast their votes. Republic Act 10366 or the Accessible Polling Places (APPs) Act is known to eliminate physical barriers to vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), by providing a separate voting precinct called the APPs. This is a facility preferably located at the ground floor wherein vulnerable people can receive assistance for their specific needs. They are also given the opportunity to bring a person of confidence to cast their vote. It helps the PVI sector to vote more efficiently as someone who has a better vision can assist them in shading their ballots. With that, the researchers aim to determine if the assistance of the APPs to the PVIs’ voting experience has impacted the electoral success of the 2022 national elections. The findings of this study, however, concluded that PVIs did not maximize the assistance given by the APP facilities during the 2022 national and local elections. They did not access any assistive devices in the election day. Therefore, the PVIs are deprived of having the opportunity to vote independently. The PVI sector still continues to experience physical barriers in their voting experience despite having APPs on election day. It is best to recommend that RA 10366 should be amended to include the specific needs of PVIs and improve their voting experiences.