The number of people with disabilities (PWD) or people with reduced mobility able to vote grew by 13% in Bauru (SP) compared to the last general election. According to data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), other cities in the interior of São Paulo also registered an increase.
The progress is linked to the expansion of accessibility measures by the Electoral Court, but, in the municipality, the statistics gain a face and voice in the routine of residents of Inclusive Residences, a project maintained by the local Apae. One of the residents is Wlademir Elias, 43 years old. He has an intellectual disability, works with bus monitoring and has been a voter for over ten years.
In an interview with g1, Wlademir highlighted the importance of choosing candidates based on proposals, following the news and electoral propaganda to analyze who prioritizes the population, increasing salaries and guaranteeing purchasing power.
"I feel that my opinion and that my vote makes a difference for Brazil. The candidate has to prioritize increasing people's wages and lowering the price of food, so that everyone can buy it", says Wlademir.
In total, the association maintains three houses in Bauru, housing ten people with disabilities over 18 years of age and in a situation of dependency per unit.
On a daily basis, residents follow the news on television, newspapers and cell phones, in addition to participating in workshops on the electoral process with technical support.
The coordinator of Inclusive Residences, Andressa de Jesus, explained that promoting voting goes beyond assistance work, as it ensures autonomy and civic rights. She highlighted that, of the 30 residents, 18 are eligible to vote in this year's elections.
"They are people who have duties and rights like any other citizen in our society. We are guaranteeing the exercise of their civic rights, strengthening autonomy, breaking down barriers and prejudices, promoting inclusion and guaranteeing equality before anyone", highlights the coordinator.
During the electoral period, residents discuss proposals with the team and participate in workshops to understand the voting order, the positions in dispute and make the traditional "colinha".
"On election day, we are organized by the groups in each section and by the schools in which they vote. A professional accompanies them to the section and offers all the support at the time of voting. They take the slip and there they type in the numbers of the candidates they chose", details Andressa.
Rep. Carlos Alexandre Oliveira Pacheco, 46 years old, also lives in one of the units and has been voting for more than a decade.
For him, the ideal representative must present good projects aimed at Bauru and the State of São Paulo. Furthermore, Carlos valued the moment of voting for the opportunity for socialization and inclusion in practice.
"I feel good about voting, I see all my friends voting, and also elderly people and people in wheelchairs exercising this right."
The increase in the number of people with disabilities (PWD) or with reduced mobility at the polls reflects the accessibility initiatives implemented by the Electoral Court.
Among the actions are the use of electronic voting machines with audio description, Libras interpreters and adaptations at voting locations. According to the body, the measures aim to ensure greater autonomy and ease when exercising the right to vote.
Check the total number of voters by municipality:
São José do Rio Preto: 3,911 voters (+38%)
Araçatuba: 1,830 voters (+20%)
Presidente Prudente: 3,051 voters (+15%)
Bauru: 4,590 voters (+13%)
Sorocaba: 9,741 voters (+6%)
Jundiaí: 5,242 voters (+5%)
In the 2026 elections, voters will go to the polls to define the occupants of five positions: president of the Republic, state governor, senators, federal deputies and state deputies.
Voting is mandatory for literate people between 18 and 70 years old. Participation is optional for young people aged 16 and 17, seniors over 70 and illiterate people.
