Comelec to establish emergency accessible polling places for PWDs, senior citizens, heavily pregnant for Eleksyon 2022

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released its general instructions for the voting process of persons with disability, senior citizens, and those heavily pregnant for the Eleksyon 2022.

Resolution 10761 states that Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPPs) will be established in voting centers and select places for the PWDs, senior citizens, and heavily-pregnant voters.

The EAPP refers to a room or makeshift/temporary polling place established in the first floor or at the ground of a voting center or outside of it but in close proximity thereto, where a PWD, senior citizen and heavily pregnant voters may vote on Election Day.

"The Commission shall ensure that the voting procedures in the EAPP, including the facilities and materials therein are appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use, and that reasonable accommodation shall be granted to persons with disabilities, senior citizens and heavily pregnant voters in order that they may fully exercise their right to suffrage."

The Comelec said one EAPP must be established in areas with one to seven barangays, two for those eight to 14 barangays, and three for those 15 and above barangays.

"All EAPPs must have an ample space capable of accommodating at least 10 PWD, SC, and/or heavily pregnant voters, including wheelchair-users and assistors, at any given time."

The Comelec further said accessibility is important in EAPPs as they should have ramps, large print signages and directional signs at the entrance of the voting center leading to the EAPP, accessible washroom, and Filipino Sign Language Interpreter, as far as practicable.

The poll body said a PWD, senior citizen or heavily-pregnant could vote in the EAPP or polling precinct where his/her precinct is assigned.

Voting in EAPP shall be from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., while voting in satellite EAPPs shall be from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News