Czech Republic introduces QR codes for visually impaired voters

New measures are being introduced in the Czech Republic to improve election accessibility for visually impaired and blind voters. Starting with the 2026 Senate elections, individual candidates will have their own ballot papers equipped with QR codes. These codes will allow voters to use smartphones to read candidate information, enhancing independence and helping to verify the identity of the candidate associated with each ballot.

In the Vysočina region, municipalities are also implementing changes to election logistics by reducing the number of polling districts to save costs and address difficulties in staffing election commissions. For example, Jihlava has reduced its districts from 58 to 35. To mitigate the impact on voters, the city will provide free shuttle buses. Similarly, in Žirovnice, the municipality will offer free transportation via municipal vehicles and fire brigade cars for residents in areas where polling stations were closed.