Easy-language voting guides gain ground but face access gaps

Five Swiss cantons provide political information in easy language, but disability organisations say the material is not always easy to find or access, SRF reports.

Zurich translates its voting information into simple language to help more people take part in political decisions. Ahead of the next vote, the canton explains a proposal on the teaching staff law in short, straightforward sentences, including the expected annual cost of 83 million Swiss francs.

Basel-Stadt, St. Gallen, Thurgau and Schaffhausen also provide political information in easy language. Rahel Schneebeli of the disability organisation Pro Infirmis said more cantons should adopt the approach. She said it could help people with cognitive impairments, concentration problems or reading difficulties take part in votes.

Schneebeli said many people preferred reading information in easy language. She praised Zurich for its work since the canton introduced the service about a year ago, but criticised the fact that the information is available only online through a QR code in the voting booklet.

That could create an obstacle for people who are less familiar with websites or do not have access to them, Schneebeli said. Zurich disagrees, arguing that people with learning disabilities can also use smartphones effectively. The canton also points to the paper saved by providing the information digitally.

Schaffhausen prints its easy-language information and provides it online as well. However, the material appears far back in the voting booklet. Schneebeli said it should be placed near the front so that people can find it more easily.

Christian Ritzmann, Schaffhausen’s deputy state clerk, defended the current order, saying the canton believed the official explanations should come first. The easy-language text was nevertheless placed before the full legal wording, he said.

Studies highlight benefits and risks

A study by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office found that about 1.25 million adults, or around 22 per cent of the working-age population between 16 and 65, have significant difficulty reading and writing. For these people, clear and uncomplicated texts can be essential for understanding news, laws and voting information.

A study by Zurich University of Applied Sciences also found that easy-to-understand texts benefit people with learning difficulties and people who speak German as a second language. Critics warn, however, that simplifying complex political issues can give translators too much control over their interpretation and present issues as if there were only one possible position.

Political science research also indicates that simple political statements can make information easier to understand while increasing the risk of dividing social groups or reducing content to populist messages.

Despite the remaining gaps, Zurich and Schaffhausen say they are satisfied with their current approach. Both cantons report consistently positive feedback and currently see no reason to make changes.