site.btaCEC Plans Audio Candidate Lists to Assist Visually Impaired Voters

The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced plans to create audio files of candidate lists to assist visually impaired voters, as part of decisions adopted on Tuesday regarding voting arrangements for people with disabilities.

CEC Deputy Chair Rositsa Mateva explained that voters with visual impairments or mobility issues will be able to cast their ballots in designated polling stations located on ground or lower floors, or in another polling station of their choice if the one assigned to their permanent address is not accessible.

She highlighted that the introduction of audio versions of candidate lists is a new measure aimed at improving access to information for blind voters. If developed, these audio files will be made available via QR codes displayed at polling stations designated for visually impaired voters, allowing them to get acquainted with the candidates before voting.

The Central Election Commission also approved remuneration levels for members of polling station commissions abroad, with payments aligned with the budget of the Foreign Ministry as set out in the election cost plan adopted by the government.

In addition, CEC approved the design template of the ballot paper for voting abroad, enabling the start of the printing process.