August 2014 – In preparation of the 2014 Congressional Elections, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is compelling states to make online ballot-marking systems accessible to voters with disabilities. The Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) requires all states allow certain U.S. citizens to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections. The resolution requests that states allow the same convenience to disabled individuals that are provided to individuals serving in the military, federal government employees, citizens abroad, and those who qualify for the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB).
The push for electronic ballot delivery options references eLect®, an internet voting solution that allows voters to use screen readers, print reading and voice recognition software when casting their ballot. According to the press release, “Online ballot-marking is accessible absentee voting, it provides voters with disabilities the option to mark their ballots on their smartphone, tablets and computers using the same assistive devices and tools that they use to navigate the web throughout their daily lives.” With the 2014 Congressional election around the corner – November 4, 2014 – the NFB is encouraging states to make voter participation more inclusive for disabled individuals. For more information, please visit the link below.
