BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Denpasar City General Elections Commission (KPU) is strengthening democratic education for people with disabilities through an Inclusive Polling Station Education program in collaboration with Pradnyagama Special School (SLB).

Held at the Denpasar KPU office on Tuesday (Aug. 4, 2026), the program went beyond classroom-based explanations of democracy and elections by giving participants hands-on experience in carrying out the various stages of voting at a polling station.

A total of 50 participants took part in the program, comprising 22 students from grades IX to XII, 22 parents or caregivers, and five teachers and school principals.

The program is part of a follow-up to cooperation between Pradnyagama Special School and the Denpasar KPU aimed at improving democratic literacy and strengthening students’ understanding of their voting rights.

During the simulation, participants were introduced to the entire voting process, from arriving at the polling station and checking the attendance list to receiving a ballot, entering the voting booth, casting their vote, placing the ballot into the ballot box and dipping their finger in ink.

The Denpasar KPU adapted the simulation to meet the needs of voters with disabilities. Information was delivered in simple and accessible language, supported by communication aids and assistance from election officials.

The learning environment was also designed to be interactive so that participants could follow each stage comfortably and build confidence in exercising their voting rights.

Denpasar KPU Chairwoman Dewa Ayu Sekar Anggaraeni said democratic education for people with disabilities should not be limited to theoretical socialization.

She said direct experience was essential to help voters with disabilities understand the voting process and gain the confidence needed to exercise their rights independently.

“Inclusive democracy is not merely about providing access to voting. It is also about ensuring that every citizen understands the process and feels confident about exercising their voting rights. Through the Inclusive Polling Station Education program, we want to provide a real voting experience so that people with disabilities can come to polling stations with confidence when election day arrives,” she said.

The involvement of parents, caregivers, teachers and school principals is also considered an important part of democratic education. They are expected to support students in understanding and exercising their political rights as part of their constitutional rights as citizens.

Through the program, the Denpasar KPU aims to increase awareness among people with disabilities about their voting rights while encouraging them to participate in the voting process independently.

The initiative also sends a broader message that people with disabilities should not be treated merely as recipients of democratic education, but as citizens with equal political rights and opportunities to participate in democratic life.

By using hands-on polling station simulations, the Denpasar KPU is seeking to ensure that no voter is left behind in the democratic process, including citizens who require accessible facilities and tailored methods of learning.