WHILE sighted Jamaicans vote in secrecy, the blind and visually impaired are denied that right, says Kamika Braithwaite of the Jamaica Society for the Blind, who argues that after 18 general elections it is time for Jamaica to invest in audio-assisted and more inclusive electronic voting options that promote independence.

Braithwaite noted that, as it stands, visually impaired and blind Jamaicans who head to the polls are encouraged to bring a trusted family member or friend to assist them in marking the ballot for their preferred candidate. They can also seek the assistance of the presiding officer, who, under the supervision of others, can assist them. She argued, however, that the system is flawed.

“For me, and other persons, too, you know you have the right to go out and you do it [vote], but you wish there can be better systems put in place because even though you know you can ask somebody, maybe you don’t want to ask somebody. [There is] the privacy issue, and voting can be so divisive. It can be very divisive sometimes, you do not want to disclose to someone who you’re voting for, so just like everybody else, it would be nice to be able to not have to ask somebody to vote for you,” said the visually impaired information officer.

“I can tell you, if I didn’t have trusted family members I don’t think I would vote because I am not going to ask the presiding officer. I can’t do that…It’s a feeling you get, you don’t know how trustworthy it is, and yes, there are persons in there sworn to secrecy, but you’re not comfortable,” Braithwaite told the Jamaica Observer.

She said it is the reality for some visually impaired and blind individuals who choose not to exercise their right to vote because of the lack of privacy. She noted that, internationally, inclusive voting practices have been adopted by countries to make the process private and more accessible for their vulnerable citizens. She urged Jamaica to follow suit.

“We have what they call electronic voting, and that would be excellent because, of course, one of the ways that blind and visually impaired persons [function] is we are able to use certain technologies like computers and phones and so on. Even right now, at the National Commercial Bank we are able to use their ATMs because of the fact that they have installed audio and audio solution on it, so electronic voting would help because if it comes along with the ability for a screen reader that would be able to tell us what’s happening there, we’d be able to use that system and vote by ourselves. We wouldn’t need the intervention of a third party that diminishes our privacy right,” she explained.

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica has implemented the Electronic Voter Identification System (EVIS) that allows electorates to be identified and verified at polling stations by using their fingerprints or facial recognition. The system is designed to prevent the impersonation of an elector, multiple voting by persons, and the use of unauthenticated ballots. The system will be implemented in select constituencies for the September 3 General Election. However, a physical ballot will still be issued.

Braithwaite further advocated for the option to have members of the vulnerable population vote by e-mail or the use of Braille on ballots.

“It would be a step in the right direction if we could implement either of those two platforms or both, because not necessarily all blind persons can use the technology. However, it would be one way in which you bring us into a process where we don’t have to involve anybody else in our business and we would e-mail or vote and know that for sure what we want on the ballot is what is actually there, and there’s nobody else involved in the process,” she told the
Sunday Observer.

The information officer further noted that for individuals who are both deaf and blind, the common practice is to have them use Braille and touch sign language to communicate, and the implementation of this process could reach those and other individuals who are otherwise disabled.

“We would be so happy because it promotes more independence of blind individuals. It promotes autonomy and all of that if you believe you can be by yourself and you don’t always have to be including other persons in your business,” she stressed.

While the systems to ensure privacy are not yet in place for the vulnerable group, Braithwaite urged individuals not to be discouraged and to cast their vote.

“Do not shy away from the process. You have the right, even with their disability. You have the right to vote and put in whichever party you wish, as long as their name is on the electoral list. They have the right to vote and shouldn’t shy away from the process. Go out, and ensure that you have your ID. Although, yes you can vote without an ID, because they’ll put you through a string of processes, but in terms of making their life smoother, blind or visually impaired persons should plan for it.

“Have your ID, figure out a person who will go with you, make sure you speak with the person from before and plan the day. Ensure that you know where your polling station is, so on the day you’re not running up and down trying to find out, especially if you’re taking someone who needs to go back to work. You need to plan that ahead of time and then get it done. Don’t shy away from the process; it is your right,” she said.

Jamaicans will head to the polls on September 3 to cast their vote in the 2025 General Election. A total of 189 candidates have been nominated to contest the election. Both major political parties, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP), will contest all 63 constituencies.

The Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) has entered candidates in 47 constituencies, while seven nominees will represent the United Independents’ Congress (UIC). Another nine candidates will run as independents across constituencies in St Thomas, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Catherine, and St Andrew.