Ontario region switcher

Notice

For content relevant to your community in Ontario, Please select your region

Accessible Elections

An illustration of a megaphone outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents. To the right of the icon is the text: CNIB Advocacy, Voices for Action.
Federal and Provincial elections in Canada are usually held every four years. CNIB Advocacy works to break down barriers in the electoral process by advocating for accessible voting options, educating voters on accessibility features available to voters, and empowering electors who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision to cast their ballot privately and independently. 

2025 Canadian Federal Election

Canadians will head to the polls on Monday, April 28,  2025 for the Federal general election. CNIB wants to make sure electors who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision are aware of their right to accessible services and tools available at the polls.  

A woman holds a signature guide and a pencil over a white page. A tactile ballot overlay is next to her.

History of Accessible Elections

Canadians with physical disabilities have always had the right to vote in principle, but they did not always have access to voting services. As early as 1874, Canadians were not prevented from the right to vote because they were blind or partially sighted; however, the elector had to ask the deputy returning officer to help them mark the ballot in the presence of sworn agents of the candidates – far from a secret ballot!