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Global Initiative to Enfranchise People with Disabilities

Welcome to IFES' "ElectionAccess.org" - the first and only clearinghouse for information on the participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process. The International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) is committed to extending the reach of democracy through technical assistance and support to governmental and nongovernmental organizations in new and emerging democracies.

IFES is the first mainstream democracy organization committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have free and equal access to electoral systems. This website, funded by a grant from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, is one outgrowth of this continued effort.

The website is organized into five sections. In Laws and Regulations, you will find a country-by-country analysis of election laws, constitutions and related regulations conducted by IFES researchers, and analysis of how these laws impact upon citizens with disabilities.

IFES and partner organizations have drafted global standards on the electoral rights of citizens with disabilities. More information can be found in the Rights and Standards section.

Over the past few years, certain governments - along with both domestic and international nongovernmental organizations - have undertaken innovative programs to give their citizens with disabilities greater access to the electoral process. Information on such projects can be found under Best Practices.

A number of reports, papers and news articles have been published on voting rights and accessibility issues for people with disabilities. These have been gathered together under Publications.

Finally, to learn more about the IFES Global Initiative to Enfranchise People with Disabilities, as well as links to our funders and partner organizations, please see our Contacts and Links.