The European elections in May are our topic of the year 2019!
We are talking about how to make voting accessible for people with intellectual disabilities and family members – and why it is important to vote!
Every month we interview one of our “Voting champions”: People who are active in reclaiming the right to vote, who talk to politicians about voting accessibility and who encourage others to cast their ballot.
Our Voting Champions in April is Carmen Piquer of “Som Fundació”.
Did you ever have the right to vote?
I was never allowed to vote. When I was 18 years old, I was put under guardianship. This decision meant that I was deprived of my right to vote.
When did you decide you wanted to get your right to vote back?
I did not feel like a citizen equal to others because I was not allowed to vote. I felt like I was second class. Then I decided to fight! Som – Fundació helped me to get my right to vote back.
What did you need to do to recover your right to vote?
I had to come before a judge and answer questions about politics, the Spanish king and other things. In general, I think it is important to know these things, but it was still discrimination because only people with intellectual disabilities had to answer these questions to regain their right to vote. There was also a very strange question, about the number of senators that there are …
You passed the test and you regained the right to vote in 2015. Have you had the opportunity to vote in elections?
Yes, I voted in the general elections and in the regional elections!
How did it go?
It was easy! I did not have any problems. Now I share my experiences during workshops about the elections organised by Som – Fundació. I try to encourage everyone to go vote. You do not have to be afraid! When you have a question, there are people at the polling station who can help you.
Now you can vote first at the Spanish national elections, and then at the European elections. How does that feel like?
I am very proud! I can give my opinion and I can choose my representatives for the next years. People with disabilities have to go and vote, so politicians fight for our interests!
The European elections are a bit like global elections for our continent. There are many things that are decided at the European level, so it is important to choose who will be the future members of the European Parliament.
What would you like to tell people with intellectual disabilities in other European countries?
Vote if you can, participate and be brave! It is your future, too.
Our March Voting Champions were Lucette and Dani Blanquart:
“Voting can help us make our dreams come true”
Our February Voting Champion was Andreas Zehetner:
“It is important that we are well represented in the EU Parliament”
Our January Voting Champion was László Bercse:
“For me it is very important to vote in the European elections”
Further information:
Resources on Inclusion Europe’s website: “Make the most of the elections to the European Parliament!”
