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Can voters use accessible voting equipment?

Accessible Voting Equipment

Every polling place in a federal election must have at least one voting system that people with disabilities can use privately and on their own. In Connecticut this is an accessible ballot-marking system.

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Describe this illustration

A seated voting station with a privacy screen on three sides. On the table are a tablet-style screen, a pair of headphones and a keypad with large raised buttons. A voter with a white cane sits at the station. A poll worker stands beside the privacy screen, outside the voter's view of the screen, gesturing toward the headphones while explaining. A small sign reads Accessible voting, ask us.

Things you may notice

Things you may notice about accessible voting options.

An accessible voting station is visibly available.

For example: There is a station with a screen or audio unit, a privacy screen and a chair, separate from the regular booths.

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The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 301: voting system standards · Accessible voting in Connecticut
The equipment appears set up for use.

For example: The station is powered on, with headphones plugged in, not still in its case.

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The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 301: voting system standards · ADA Title II
Accessibility features, such as headphones or alternative controls, are available.

For example: Headphones, a large-button keypad or a sip-and-puff device are at the station.

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The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 301: voting system standards · ADA Title II
Workers can explain how to request or use the accessible equipment.

For example: A voter asks about the machine and a worker walks over and explains how it works, without watching the voter's selections.

Share an observation

The law behind this: Help America Vote Act, Section 301: voting system standards · Accessible voting in Connecticut

Equipment and accessibility features may differ between polling places.

Notice something different? Write down what you personally saw or heard, including the time and location. You can ask an election official for help.

Why it matters

A machine in a closet helps nobody. Whether the accessible station is set up, working and explained decides whether a blind voter or a voter who cannot hold a pen can vote without telling someone else their choices.

What one visit cannot tell you

Whether the equipment is certified or counted correctly. That is tested before Election Day by officials.
Whether it is working right now, unless you use it or a worker says it is down. If a worker says it is out of order, note the time.

In Connecticut

Connecticut provides an accessible ballot-marking system at polling places. The Secretary of the State's accessible-voting guidance explains how to ask for it. (Accessible voting in Connecticut)

What the law actually says

Section 301 of the Help America Vote Act (52 U.S.C. § 21081) requires each polling place in a federal election to have at least one voting system accessible to people with disabilities, including non-visual access for people who are blind, with the same opportunity for privacy and independence as other voters.

Related legal authorities

Help America Vote Act 52 U.S.C. §§ 20901–21145
ADA Title II 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131–12134
Accessible voting in Connecticut portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/accessible-voting

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