As early as 18 May 2025, presidential elections will be held, for seniors and people with disabilities, facilities will be introduced to facilitate voting. Specially adapted polling stations, correspondence ballots and the anticipation to usage assistant or proxy will be available. What conditions must be met to benefit from these solutions?
According to the Constitution, elections in Poland are universal, equal, direct and secret. This means that any eligible citizen, regardless of his or her state of health, should be able to vote freely.
However, for many seniors and people with disabilities, a conventional visit to the polling station may be challenging. Therefore, several facilities have been introduced, specified as adapted polling stations, correspondence ballots and the anticipation to receive assistance from an assistant or proxy.
Election venues. Comfortable and accessible for everyone
The infrastructure of many polling stations in Poland continues to be hard wheelchair users, blind people or aged people with reduced mobility. In 2025, voters requiring support can study their willingness to vote in a venue specifically adapted to their needs.
Such places ensure that:
- wheelchair ramps and wide doors,
- lower voting tables and space for free movement,
- information boards in the Braille alphabet,
- tabs for blind people,
- support from members of the electoral committee who may supply information if necessary.
In order to usage this option, specified a request should be reported to the municipal office no later than 13 days before the election.
Correspondent vote. Elections without leaving home
People who cannot personally go to the polling place can usage by correspondence vote. In that case, the electoral package will be delivered by post and the voter sends it back in the return envelope after completing the card.
SEE: How do you vote outside your home? Presidential elections 2025
To vote by correspondence, you should submit an application to the municipal office. The electoral package will be sent no later than 7 days before the election and will include:
- voting card,
- a reverse envelope,
- voting instructions.
After filling out the card, delight send it back within the time limit indicated in the documents. This solution guarantees full election secrecy and allows people with reduced mobility to participate in the vote without leaving home.
Plenipotentiary and assistant. Assistance to those who request support
Seniors and people with disabilities can benefit from the assistance of a proxy or assistant. The Plenipotentiary shall be the individual who gives the level on behalf of the voter on the basis of the authority previously granted. Application for the appointment of a typical no later than 9 days before the presidential election.
SEE: What's the punishment for breaking vote silence? Elections are governed by strict rules
Persons who are blind or who have difficulty voting alone may request assistance of an assistant, i.e. the individual indicated by him, e.g. a household member. The assistant may assist in method voting activities but may not make decisions for the voter.
With these solutions, people who, due to their wellness condition, would have difficulty voting can take part in elections on the same terms as another citizens.
== sync, corrected by elderman ==
