Come to the information event: Voting barrier-free on September 14th!

Come to the information event: Voting barrier-free on September 14th!

The local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia are taking place on September 14, 2025, and the district has come up with a lot of ideas to make the election more understandable. The district offers information in easy language, especially for people with learning difficulties or reading difficulties. This was reported by radioenneperuhr.de, and the commitment is great. Because everyone should have the opportunity to raise their voice in the elections.

To explain the election, there will be an information event in the Schwelm district hall on Monday, August 18th. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., those interested can find out everything about the election and how postal voting and the like work. Sign language is also offered for deaf people. Judith Volk, the district administration's inclusion officer, is the contact person for the event. Your contact details are: Telephone 02336/93 2257 and Email inklusion@en-kreis.de.

Focus on political participation

The aim of these initiatives is clear: to promote the political participation of people with disabilities. According to ksl-nrw.de, many important aspects are taken into account. Barrier-free polling stations, understandable information and active involvement in the electoral process are crucial. The competence centers for self-determined living provide support with helpful videos that simply explain the voting process. These videos are available for free on YouTube and can also be downloaded.

In addition, Lebenshilfe Kreis Viersen has published a new brochure in plain language that explains political issues and elections in an understandable way. With the title "Elections quickly explained! Your vote counts!" 36 pages explain what local elections are and who can vote. The brochure is free to download and also provides examples and clear illustrations. It can also be obtained in printed form - 100 copies have already arrived for distribution, as Lebenshilfe notes on its website lebenshilfe-viersen.de.

Strengthen voter participation

Voter turnout is particularly important for people with disabilities. Claudia Middendorf, representative for people with disabilities in North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the importance of voter participation. Educational work and awareness-raising must continue to take place here so that everyone can go to the polls and cast their vote.

The brochure also discusses possible runoff elections on September 28, 2025. The exchange of information and the provision of materials is a step in the right direction, but raising awareness of right-wing populist movements is also covered in another brochure. The aim of this is to identify dangerous political ideas and encourage people to actively participate in democratic processes.

In summary, the upcoming local elections are an excellent opportunity to experience democracy in real life. These initiatives show how important it is that every vote counts and elections are accessible to everyone.