Everyone Must Be Able to Vote: Bill Enables Assistance in Voting Booth for All Voters

Many people can vote independently without problems, but this is not the case for everyone. Voters with intellectual disabilities or dementia may have difficulty filling out or reading the ballot. This also applies to voters with low literacy. For these groups, voting is not self-evident, although they do want to cast their vote. Minister Rijkaart of Interior and Kingdom Relations has therefore submitted a bill that makes it possible for all voters to receive assistance in the voting booth.

Minister Rijkaart: “Voting is a right, not a privilege. It should never depend on a persons disability or background whether that vote can be cast. This bill makes it possible for everyone to vote. The law must be in effect by the Provincial and Water Board elections in 2027, and I am working hard on that.”

Assistance in the voting booth for voters who need it

Currently, only voters with a physical disability can receive assistance in the voting booth. Other voters can be helped outside the booth, but not inside it. This sometimes makes it difficult for them to understand or fill out the ballot.
The bill makes it possible for any voter who needs support to receive assistance in the voting booth. This assistance is provided by polling station staff. They are trained to offer help as well as possible and in a neutral manner. This ensures that the secrecy and freedom of the vote are preserved. Voters with a physical disability also retain the option to bring someone of their choice into the voting booth. The new law must not result in a disadvantage for them.

Background and process

The Assistance in the Voting Booth bill aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the wishes of various organizations, including the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights. The Electoral Council has also previously advised enabling assistance by a polling station member for voters with intellectual disabilities. Initially, an experiment with assistance in the voting booth was planned, but last year it was decided to immediately anchor the regulation nationwide through a bill.

A careful balance between accessibility and voting freedom

The Council of State reviewed the bill and considered the balance between voting accessibility, secrecy, and freedom. Based on this advice, the minister has refined the explanation of the law on several points. It is now clearer why a distinction is made between voters with and without physical disabilities and why assistance by polling station staff was chosen. Additionally, it explains how municipalities must register the provision of assistance so that the regulations effectiveness can be properly evaluated in the future.

Intended entry into force for the 2027 Provincial and Water Board elections

The bill is currently being considered by the House of Representatives and Senate. The aim is that assistance in the voting booth will be possible for everyone at the 2027 Provincial and Water Board elections.

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