Taking action to protect the right to participation in elections

Political participation, as required by the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, means that persons with disabilities have the right to participate in the whole political process, both as a voter and as a candidate, and to take part in political decisions made at all levels.

The European Commission is working with EU countries through the European Cooperation Network on Elections to ensure accessible European elections in 2024.

As part of this collaboration, in 2023 the European Commission will publish a guide with good practices to safeguard the right to vote for persons with disabilities across the EU. 

Moreover,  inclusive democratic participation for persons with a disability is promoted with EU funds through the Citizenship, Equalities, Rights and Values programme (CERV).