Outrage as disabled voters denied access to polling stations

ANGERED disability representatives yesterday criticised polling stations after it emerged groups of voters who are wheelchair users were unable to enter voting stations because of limited facilities.

Despite months to prepare for yesterday’s referendum, it emerged dozens of disabled voters were unable to get to ballot boxes.

The group People with Disabilities in Ireland (PWDI) said it would be checking with members nationwide over the coming days about reports of disabled voters not being able to enter polling booths and stations.

“It’s disappointing. It’s disgraceful that some people can’t get access. The attitude needs to change. This is a democratic right,” said PWDI chairman Michael Ringrose.

It emerged yesterday that up to 30 disabled voters in wheelchairs were turned away from booths at Knox Hall, Monkstown, Dublin.

Local councillor Mary Mitchell O’Connor said no ramps had been available for the voters.

“In 2008 this should not happen. People with disabilities are paid lip service. The vulnerable and weak are ignored.”

According to the Fine Gael councillor, the residents from the local Cheshire Home had not seen an advertisement in newspapers stating the local hall was not wheelchair accessible.

“Approximately 30 voters could not exercise their democratic right in voting for the Lisbon Treaty.

“They arrived with their official polling card but were not able to vote, because there was no wheelchair access,” she explained.

Ms Mitchell O’ Connor insisted that the south Dublin hall or any other hall should not be used unless suitable ramps were provided for voters with disabilities.

Many of the voters returned to the home upset and disappointed, she said.

Last-minute arrangements were eventually made for many of the Chesire Home’s residents to vote yesterday evening when a local Dominican convent, with wheelchair accessibility, was made available as a polling station.

Michael Ringrose said yesterday he had become aware of at least one case where a voter in a wheelchair had signed off on their vote outside a polling station with a garda who acted as a witness.

The PWDI chief said he would be making inquiries after the different reports about access to voting booth areas.