Voting rights – ETR

Many people with intellectual disabilities and their families cannot take part in society.

Click on the words in bold to read what they mean

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People with intellectual disabilities must be treated  

as equal citizens.  

 

For this reason, it is very important that they can vote 

and make their voices heard.  

 

László Bercse is the new vice-president of Inclusion Europe. 

László believes that voting is a right, 

because it allows people  

to make their voices heard. 

Some people with intellectual disabilities 

are not allowed to vote. 

That makes them feel different 

from other people.  

 

When people with intellectual disabilities are not allowed to vote, 

this is because they are under guardianship. 

Sometimes if they want their right to vote, 

people under guardianship  

need to talk to a judge first. 

There they have answer some questions 

on politics and other topics. 

 

This is not right. 

Other people do not need to this
so they can vote. 

There have been improvements in countries like: 

  • Denmark 
  • France 
  • Germany 
  • Spain 

In these countries, people under guardianship
are now allowed to vote. 

 

But in many European countries, 

many people with intellectual disabilities 

still do not have the right to vote. 

This is against 

the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities  

(UN CRPD). 

 

The UN CRPD says that people with disabilities 

should be able to participate in politics 

 

This means that they should get: 

  • the right to vote 
  • the right to stand for election 

Inclusion Europe agrees that everyone should have 

the right to vote.  

 

Inclusion Europe also thinks that 
no one should be put under guardianship. 

 

Some people with intellectual disabilities 

will need support in order to vote. 

 

They might need: 

when choosing who to vote for 

in the polling stations 

 

Information in easy-to-read language 

and personal assistance in the voting booth 

would make voting more accessible 

for people with intellectual disabilities.  

 

 

Read more about our elections campaign 
for the European elections 2019 

Our work brings the voice of people with intellectual disabilities and their families where decisions about their future are made.

This has always been incredibly important. It is even more so with the Covid pandemic drastic impact on their rights and lives.

Being visible and vocal on issues directly affecting millions of people requires your support. 

Become Inclusion Europe supporter and help us keep doing our work.

 

 

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