WHEREAS all Canadians have the right to vote and to do so independently and consistently at all levels of government elections; AND WHEREAS the accessible ballot tactile template and Braille ballot provides the means for voters who are blind or visually impaired to independently participate in the election while retaining their democratic right to confidentiality within the election process: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities lobby the provincial government to introduce legislation ensuring that accessible ballots for voters who are blind or visually impaired are available at polling places in every election.
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Local governments have the ability to print ballots in Braille when they are conducting a vote for a general local election, a by-election or a referendum. Should a local government choose not to print ballots in Braille, a person who has difficulty reading or writing can vote if they are assisted by an election official or by a person accompanying the elector. The person accompanying the elector must make a solemn declaration to preserve the secrecy of the ballot of the elector being assisted. It may not be practical or feasible for all local governments to print ballots in Braille as local governments vary greatly in size and available resources. Also, in very small communities where there may only be one person who votes by using a ballot in Braille, it increases the risk that the secrecy of the ballot is not preserved when the ballot is counted with scrutineers and candidates present. Ministry of Justice For provincial elections, accessible ballots are currently available for blind or visually impaired voters. Elections BC, which is the independent office of the Legislature that administers provincial elections, currently uses a tactile template to assist visually impaired voters. These tactile templates are available at all polling places for every election or by-election.