Prokkelduo Teams Reinforce Municipal Polling Places
Elections for the Provincial Council and the water boards will take place on Wednesday, March 15. The municipality of Voorschoten is using a “Prokkelduo” at four polling stations. Each duo consists of a resident with an intellectual disability and a volunteer from the municipality.
Voorschoten believes it is important to be an inclusive community where everyone participates. That is why we support the work of the Prokkel Foundation. Prokkel stands for “stimulating encounters.” The foundation encourages organizations, businesses, individuals, and people with intellectual disabilities to do fun things together.
The Prokkel Foundation organizes an annual Prokkel Week. It also organizes many other activities, such as volunteering at a polling place. For example, on that day, a resident with an intellectual disability helps guide voters, verify names, or sort ballots. A volunteer from the municipality accompanies their Prokkel buddy.
The mayor is a strong supporter
Mayor Nadine Stemerdink is a strong supporter of the initiative: “Thanks to Prokkelduos at the polling stations, residents with intellectual disabilities can show what they can do for all of us. Moreover, it increases interest in democracy and the right to vote, both among the participants and among the people around them.”
If it were up to the mayor, there would be a Prokkelduo at every polling place in the next election. “This time around, we’re aiming for four duos. It would be great if we could have a Prokkelduo at all fifteen polling places in the next election. I’m looking forward to seeing the duos at work and talking with them on March 15.”
Want to learn more or participate?
Would you like to learn more about the Prokkel Foundation? Visit the website at www.prokkel.nl. Would you like to participate as a pair, or do you know a resident who would like to participate? Send an email to verkiezingen@voorschoten.nl or call 14071.