Vienna becomes barrier -free: elections in 2025 accessible to everyone!

Vienna becomes barrier -free: elections in 2025 accessible to everyone!

Wien, Österreich - On April 27, 2025, the important municipal council and district representation elections take place in Vienna. A decisive aspect of these elections is the accessibility for people with disabilities. OTS reports that almost all polling stations in Vienna can be reached barrier-free. In addition, all facilities are equipped with barrier -free election cells that are wider and offer subtractable writing space.

In the event that a polling station is not barrier -free, voters can apply for an election card to choose in another barrier -free polling station or by post. This means that even people who have difficulties in access to traditional polling stations or cannot appear personally for other reasons can make use of their right to vote.

accessibility and support

The requirements for accessibility are clearly defined. A stepless access or ramps with a maximum of 10% incline, easy -to -open doors and a movement area of at least 120 cm x 250 cm are just a few of the criteria that must be fulfilled. The doors of the polling stations must be at least 80 cm wide and elevators must be 110 cm wide and 140 cm long to ensure easy access.

The election card itself can be applied for by the responsible election department and must be submitted by 5 p.m. by 5 p.m. until the election day, April 27, 2025. If necessary, a mobile election commission is available for people with limited mobility. In addition, ballot stencils for blind and visually impaired people are available in every polling station to facilitate voting. Information on the choice is also available in a barrier -free form on CD and available online in Austrian sign language and in "easy to read".

global perspective on including elections

The reference to a global context is strengthened by the fact that 2024 is a super election year with elections in 76 nations. According to Light for the World , more than half of the adult world population have the right to choose, but people with disabilities often see considerable hurdles. Incessive polling stations and lack of information in simple languages, sign language or braille often represent large barriers.

Collins Ombajo from Light for the World emphasizes that it is the right of every adult to coordinate decisions on life influencing. Innovative approaches can help improve inclusion. This includes the early consideration of the needs of people with disabilities in election commissions, the creation of barrier -free party programs and ensuring barrier -free access on election day.

Further information on the election can be available on the official website of the City of Vienna at wien.gv.at/wahlen or can be reached by phone at 01/4000-4001.