Bethel - Oliver Krop - first-time voter at the age of 51

The sun is shining and the thermometer is already over 20 degrees in the morning. 26 September 2021 is a glorious late summer's day in Bielefeld-Eckardtsheim - and perfectly matches Oliver Krop's mood. The 51-year-old is happy because this Sunday is the first time he has been allowed to cast his vote in a Bundestag election. "I think that's good," says the Bethel client before making his way to the polling station. "We people with disabilities have been neglected in elections until now."

Since 2019, around 85,000 people in Germany who, like Oliver Krop, make use of legal assistance have been able to vote in elections to the German parliament. Previously, they were excluded by federal electoral law. The fight to abolish this discrimination and establish inclusive voting rights took many years.

For Oliver Krop, on the other hand, the voting process is quick and uncomplicated this Sunday. In the late morning, he sets off on foot on the 15-minute walk from his home in Eckardtsheim to the polling station in the Thekoa hall. Register, tick the box, drop the ballot paper in the ballot box - done. Less than five minutes later, Oliver Krop is back on the sun-drenched square in front of the hall. "It was unusual, but good," he says.

Peter Nicolini is also pleased that Oliver Krop and other people with disabilities were able to cast their vote in a general election for the first time. He is an educator and employee at Eckardtsheim I supported living and is therefore responsible for Oliver Krop. "Being able to vote boosts self-confidence," says Peter Nicolini. "Voting is also good for Oliver Krop, because it's very important to him."