People with Down syndrome act as volunteer poll workers in elections

Fredinho decided to become a poll worker on his own initiative, according to his mother, Milena Rocha. He has been voting since he was 18 and arrived at the section eager to get to work. “He got there, greeting those who were already at the session, and introduced himself,” said Milena.

For the mother, experience shows that her son can actively participate in society and perform functions beyond those usually attributed to people with disabilities.

“It is also the certainty that he not only needs to be included, he can contribute, make a difference and occupy leading roles”, he stated.

The mother also said that the family follows each of Fredinho's achievements with emotion and that experiences like this help to show the capabilities of people with disabilities.

“As a family, we follow each achievement with a heart full of emotion, because we know how important moments like this are to build a society in which people with disabilities are seen for what they are capable of doing, and not for the limitations that many still see”, he said.

In Gabriel's case, the opportunity to work as a poll worker arose after he volunteered at the Regional Electoral Court of Rio Grande do Norte (TRE-RN). According to his father, Anailson Gomes, Gabriel left his name available and later received the call to work in the 2026 general elections.

“Gabriel is 29 years old and is aware of his citizenship, including showing society the capabilities of people with Down syndrome,” said his father.

Anailson says that Gabriel is active in the search for his own rights and is also aware of his obligations as a citizen.

On Sunday morning, the father dropped Gabriel off at Colégio Master, where Section 264 operates. According to him, his son was excited and quickly joined the team there.