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

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

The important local council and district council elections will take place in Vienna on April 27, 2025. A crucial aspect of these elections is accessibility for people with disabilities. OTS reports that almost all polling stations in Vienna are barrier-free. In addition, all facilities are equipped with barrier-free voting cells that are wider and have writing surfaces that can be accessed.

If a polling station is not barrier-free, voters can apply for a voting card in order to vote at another accessible polling station or by postal vote. This means that people who have difficulty accessing traditional polling stations or are unable to appear in person for other reasons can also exercise their right to vote.

Accessibility and support

The accessibility requirements are clearly defined. Step-free access or ramps with a maximum gradient of 10%, easy-to-open doors and a movement area of ​​at least 120 cm x 250 cm are just some of the criteria that must be met. Polling station doors must be at least 80cm wide and elevators must be 110cm wide and 140cm long to ensure easy access.

The voting card itself can be requested from the responsible electoral office and must be submitted by election day, April 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. If necessary, a mobile electoral commission is available for people with reduced mobility. In addition, ballot templates for blind and visually impaired people are available at every polling station to make voting easier. Information about the election is also available in barrier-free form on CD and can be accessed online in Austrian sign language and in “Easy Reading”.

Global perspective on inclusive elections

The reference to a global context is strengthened by the fact that 2024 is a super election year with elections in 76 nations. Loud Light for the World More than half of the world's adult population has the right to vote, but people with disabilities often face significant barriers. Inaccessible polling stations and a lack of information in simple languages, sign language or Braille often represent major barriers.

Collins Ombajo of Light for the World emphasizes that it is the right of every adult to vote on life-affecting decisions. Innovative approaches can help improve inclusion. These include 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.

In summary, it can be said that the Vienna municipal and district council elections in 2025 offer important steps towards inclusive voter participation. It is crucial that all voices are heard and that accessibility becomes not just a goal but a given.

Further information about the election can be found on the official website of the City of Vienna wien.gv.at/wahlen available or by calling the city service on 01/4000-4001.