The lack of assistive devices, such as an audio-enabled Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system, compels visually impaired voters to rely on others to cast their vote, thereby compromising the secrecy of the ballot, says a representation sent by an NGO to the Election Commission of India (EC).

In its plea to the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, Nethrodaya, an NGO working for the welfare and upliftment of visually impaired persons, has sought the introduction of an audio-enabled VVPAT system for the upcoming Assembly election.

The VVPAT system attached to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) provides visual verification of the vote by printing a slip of paper, which the voters are not allowed to take home.

The NGO said persons with visual impairments encountered several challenges while exercising their franchise at polling booths.

“The primary concern is the lack of assistive devices, such as audio-enabled Electronic Voting Machines, which restricts their independent participation. This raises serious concerns regarding privacy and autonomy, as visually impaired voters are often compelled to rely on others to cast their vote, thereby compromising the secrecy of the ballot,” the NGO said in its representation.

Counsel for the NGO R.S. Raveendhren said the proposed audio-enabled VVPAT system would provide audio confirmation of the selected candidate through headphones after a vote is cast, instead of relying solely on visual verification. The EC, he said, was duty-bound to implement Section 11 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to ensure that the polling, the electoral process, and all materials are easily understandable and accessible to persons with disabilities.

“The VVPAT system serves only a class of voters who do not have any disability. Rule 49-N of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which provides for a companion to assist visually impaired voters, does not provide privacy, autonomy, and secrecy in the right of voting,” Mr. Raveendhren said.

Going by the 2011 Census, a report of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment says there are 1,27,405 visually impaired persons in Tamil Nadu.