General News
Comelec offers courtesy lanes for persons with disabilities
By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO
Voting would be made easier for the elderly, pregnant women, and disabled persons come election day as they would be provided courtesy lanes, the Commission of Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday.
โWeโll be providing courtesy lane for them so they wonโt have to line up,โ Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said in an interview.
The commission came out with the decision following the recommendation made by Election and Barangay Affairs Department (EBAD) Director Teopisto Elnas.
The Comelec in Minute Resolution No. 10-0326 approved to โextend preferential treatment to senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities on election day by designating polling places located at the ground floor of the voting centers, or by providing them express lanes, if possible,โ
The poll body said it will issue circulars to all its field offices regarding the matter which shall form part of the instructions of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs).
It also directed all election officers to coordinate with their local school administrators, local government units, representatives of citizensโ arm and non-governmental organizations, to provide assistance in facilitating voters for these sectors.
Aside from providing courtesy lane, the Comelec in Minute Resolution 10-0331 said it will also establish Election Day Help Desk in every polling center to be manned by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
The poll body then tasked the PPCRV to do the following: First, assist voters in finding their precinct number, sequence number in the list of voters and polling place.
Second, educate voters in a simplified manner on the voting process or easy guide to voting.
Lastly, provide clear instruction on how to fill up the ballot, including the DOโs and DONโTs of voting.
Additional Information
Country: Philippines
Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/248095/comelec-offers-courtesy-lanes-persons-with-disabilities
Email: N/A
Phone: N/A
Contact Person: N/A
Source: Email from: MORI, Soya
When: 17/3/2010
