What does the law say?
If you are the president of a polling station:
It should be noted that the law requires neutrality from all state representatives. Thus, a president of a polling station cannot wear religious symbols, in the name of public service neutrality.
If you are an assessor:
They are not bound by religious neutrality. As representatives of different parties and being appointed by candidates, they are allowed to wear conspicuous religious symbols.
If you are a voter:
The Council of State reminds that:
Users of public services have the right to express their religious convictions. – Opinion of December 19, 2013 issued at the request of the Defender of Rights
Wearing a religious symbol is therefore entirely permitted.
In case of refusal, what should I do?
- Ask for the reason and the legal text that justify the request to remove the headscarf;
- Ask to see the president of the polling station;
- Record this incident in an official report during the vote;
- Take the contact details of witnesses;
- File a complaint for “denial of access to the provision of a service or goods due to religious affiliation”;
- File a complaint with the Defender of Rights;
- Contact Equitas.
