FREDERICTON (CNB) - Voters are reminded by the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission that the upcoming provincial election provides them with the opportunity to exercise one of their most important rights as a resident of the province.
Randy Dickinson, commission chair, said that Elections NB has done a tremendous job in preparing for the Sept. 27 election to make it easier for eligible voters to cast their vote.
“I am especially pleased with the efforts being made to accommodate electors who may have different types of disabilities so they will be able to cast their ballots with dignity and independence and thus fully participate in the voting process,” Dickinson said.
Dickinson pointed to such measures as making all advance polling stations accessible and providing information about accessibility at the polling stations to be used on election day. Other options available for voters include technology to assist blind persons with marking their ballots, scent-free markers, sign-language interpreters where needed, polling stations being located at residential facilities so residents will not have to go out to vote, and special ballots to enable someone to vote prior to the election who cannot go to the advance polls.
"Part of the commission's mandate is to help educate the public about their various rights,” Dickinson said. “I encourage all eligible voters to learn about the different issues and party platforms and become engaged by exercising this most basic right on Sept. 27.”
For more information about how to vote, contact Elections NB at its website or by telephone toll-free at 1-888-858-8683 or by TTY at 1-888-718-0544.
LINKS:
• Elections NB: www.electionsnb.ca
• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: www.gnb.ca/hrc-cdp
31-08-10