General Right to Vote
Constitution:
(1999)
Article 62 states: "Every citizen has a right to participate in
public life directly or by the means of elected representatives."
Article 63 states: "Voting is a right. One can exercise this right
by the means of free, universal, direct and secret votes. The law guarantees
the legality of voting and proportional representation."
Article 64 states: "All Venezuelans, who are 18 years old and older,
are not under a civil sentence or are unable to participate in political life,
can vote."
Electoral Law:
(1995)
Article 1 states: "This law views the voting process as universal,
direct and secret
"
Specific Inclusion of
People with Disabilities
Constitution:
(1999)
Article 81 states: "Every disabled person or a person with special
needs has a right to full and free life regardless of his/her disability
.
The State, with the family and community participation, guarantees and promotes
respect, equal opportunities, satisfactory work conditions and employment in
accordance with one's abilities, for the disabled. It recognizes the right of
the deaf and the mute to use sign language as means of expression and communication."
Exclusion Based on Physical
Disability
Electoral Law:
(1995)
Article 26 states: "Venezuelans, who are of age, know how to read
and write, are not under legal prosecution, are not physically disabled and
are registered in the Civic Electoral Registry, can serve as members of electoral
organizations."
Article 168 states: "To become an electoral witness, one has to
know to write and read, and be included in the Permanent Civil Electoral
Registry."
Voter Assistance by Other
Citizens
Electoral Law:
(1995)
Article 122 states: "No one can accompany a voter into a voting
booth
. However, if a person is missing both hands, he/she can be accompanied
by an escort of his/her choice. If a person is unable to walk, he/she can be
accompanied, as well."
Article 123 states: "The Supreme Electoral Council will determine
voting procedures for the blind."
Promotes Access
Electoral Law:
(1995)
Article 63 (referring to voter registration) states: "Voters who
cannot or do not know how to write, will submit their fingerprints. Failure
to comply with these guidelines will result in nullification of their registration
process. This requirement can be lifted upon request if a voter is missing both
hands"