2026 elections: number of polling stations with accessibility increases to receive 40% more voters with disabilities

The number of polling stations with accessibility increased in the 2026 elections to accommodate 40% more voters with disabilities.

At 35 years old, Ariel has already participated in several elections.

“When he turned 18, he had the title and started voting”, says Silvana Vazquez Gicovate, university professor and Ariel’s mother.

He was diagnosed with autism when he was still a child and has a very rare neurological disease.

"Ariel has his candidate. Ariel has had his party for a long time, his team. It's not because he's not oral, verbal, that he doesn't communicate. Ariel interacts. Most autistic people, in their own way, interact. He vibrates when his candidate appears, he sings music, he wants to put on his t-shirt", says Silvana Vazquez Gicovate.

Almost 2 million people with some type of disability are able to vote in the 2026 elections - 42% more than in 2022. It is the highest number ever recorded by the Electoral Court, which increased the number of sections with accessibility. There are more than 220 thousand across the country. These are places that have ramps, tactile flooring to guide people with visual impairments, and elevators. A university in São Paulo even uses a cart to transport voters with reduced mobility.

2026 Elections: number of polling stations with accessibility increases to receive 40% more voters with disabilities — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction

The electronic voting machine is also more accessible. In addition to indicating the position, the Libras interpreter informs deaf voters who cast a blank or invalid vote. And the font of letters and numbers has changed. The new one is easier to read.

“We are in constant contact with people with disabilities and reduced mobility to understand the needs of this public, encouraging people with disabilities to come and vote correctly within their polling stations”, says Mariucha Souza, accessibility management coordinator at TRE/SP.

"I'm happy that this number has grown. Because it means that people who remain hidden are coming out, they are fighting for their rights. And politicians, government officials and people are accepting. But there is still a lot to achieve", says Silvana Vazquez Gicovate.