Section 1 Programs enhancing the political participation of persons with disabilities during elections can address both barriers to accessibility and deficits in the ability of DPOs to exercise power and influence. Accessibility is a critical first step for mainstreaming persons with disabilities into political life. Elections also provide numerous opportunities for DPOs to raise their political profile by increasing discussion among candidates of issues important to persons with disabilities, enhancing relationships with policymakers and strengthening the capacity of DPOs to conduct advocacy campaigns with other actors. This dual approach can serve to lay the foundation for more substantive political engagement following the elections. Figure 4: Electoral Cycle Post-Electoral Period Pre-Electoral Period Make EMB website accessible Involve DPOs in lessons learned Develop relationship between EMB and DPOs Revise election law to comply with CRPD Eliminate legal capacity restrictions on the right to vote Distribute information on party platforms in accessible formats In consultation with DPOS, determine if disability should be on ID card Ensure persons with disabilities have access to necessary ID documents for voting Select accessible voter registration and polling station locations Conduct civic/voter education in accessible formats Develop policies on alternative voting methods such as voting in advance/mobile ballot boxes Develop policy on priority voting Include questions on election access in observation checklists Train media on disseminating information in accessible formats Involve DPOs in developing codes of conduct Recruit candidates with disabilities and conduct debates in accessible formats Announce results in accessible formats Ensure complaints adjudication is accessible Sensitize security forces Electoral Period Budget for reasonable accomodations Include persons with disabilities in voter education efforts Design layouts of polling stations in an accessible manner Include disability in poll worker manual and train poll workers on administering the vote to persons with disabilities Procure magnifying glasses, voting booths accessible to wheelchair users, tactile stickers for ballot boxes, large grip pens Develop tactile ballot guide Accredit observers with disabilities Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes 37