Fair Voting For Everyone

Press release from the City of Roseville:

October 14, 2020

One of the fundamental rights for every American is voting. For most voters it’s as simple as going to the polling place or requesting an absentee ballot. But for some, voting takes on a special challenge.

People who are blind or have a disability or someone who has trouble holding a pen often need another person to help them fill out the ballot.

Every voter has a right to keep their votes private. To help ensure everyone’s right to privacy, all voting locations across the country have accessible devices that allow anyone to vote on their own. The accessible devices can read the ballot to the voter or can enlarge the print. Voters can bring their own earphones to listen or use the ones provided. Single use earphone covers will be available.

The voter pushes marked buttons to select their candidates. Voters can also bring their own “Sip and Puff” equipment to operate the accessible device.

The machine can read back the voted candidates to ensure accuracy. Accessible machines are available at all early voting locations and will be available at all polling locations. Poll workers are trained to help the voter get set up and vote independently.

This press release was produced by the City of Roseville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.