Blind people ‘ denied’ right to secret vote

Blind people are being denied the right to a secret vote because they have to declare their preference to assistant electoral commissioners. Gordon Cardona, who is visually impaired, said that while the commissioners were bound by law to keep the vote confidential, they were perfect strangers. He said the matter persists despite the ratification of the United Nations Convention Rights for People with Disabilities. The introduction of these rights still requires full adoption. The convention says that states must ensure that voting procedures, facilities and materials are appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use. Mr Cardona explained the convention was not creating new rights  but it was a collection of practical details on how countries can enable disabled people to benefit from their rights. Full story in The Times.