Tangerang, Kartunet - The 2017 Regional Elections (Pilkada) are just days away. If your region is among the 101 locations where the Pilkada will be held on February 15, you must ensure your name is on the DPT, or Permanent Voter List. However, if your name is not on the DPT, the General Election Commission (KPU) has prepared the following solution.
First, make sure you are on the Permanent Voter List. This DPT was established by the KPU last December, so what you can do is check your name on the announcement boards at your local sub-district office, or online here. Enter your NIK (National Identity Number), and if you are on the DPT, your data will appear there. Screen reader users need not worry, as the KPU website is quite accessible.
If your name is not on the DPT, there's no need to worry. You can still vote on February 15, but only between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM local time. The requirement is to show your E-KTP (electronic ID card), which proves you are a resident of the RT/RW (neighborhood unit) where the polling station (TPS) you are visiting is located. If you don't have an E-KTP yet, immediately go to the population and civil registration office to obtain a certificate stating that you are indeed domiciled in your residential area.
This certificate (suket) is also valid for voting when shown to officers at the TPS. These two mechanisms ensure that your right to vote can still be exercised even if your name was not previously on the DPT. The author has previously voted using an E-KTP during the 2014 Presidential Election because their name was not on the DPT. In this year's Jakarta Pilkada, the author's name is again not on the DPT and will once again use an E-KTP to vote.
However, this mechanism also depends on the remaining ballot papers at the polling station you visit. Since you are considered an additional voter, there's a slight concern that ballot papers might run out. These are the tips for those whose regions are among the 101 locations for the 2017 Pilkada. Don't forget to exercise your right to vote, and advocate for the elected regional head to pay attention to the needs of persons with disabilities.
For visually impaired voters, don't forget to ask for a braille template when voting. (DPM)