DISABLED people who will be unable to go to the polling stations on May 18 can still cast their votes in the comfort of their homes, the Ministry for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities announced yesterday.

From today until May 3 people with disabilities or infirmity and the elderly can apply for a special vote that will, if granted, enable them to take part in the coming local government elections, Minister Lulu Xingwana said.

Application forms can be obtained from the municipal electoral offices.

"Details of the application will be recorded and they will receive a receipt confirming whether they qualify for a special vote. It is critical that every South African is able to participate fully in these elections. Inability to travel or stand in a queue to cast your vote on May 18 or any other form of physical infirmity should not hinder people from exercising their hard-earned right to vote," Xingwana said.

She said those whose applications were successful would be visited by voting officials at their homes on May 16 or 17 to help them cast their vote.

The minister also welcomed the announcement by the IEC that ballot papers would be available in Braille.

"For the first time, blind people will be able to exercise their right to vote in secret," said Xingwana.