Help America Vote Act

Restoring the U.S. Election Process

The presidential election of 2000 was among the most controversial in American history because of inaccuracy in ballot-counting technology of that time. The traditional paper ballots and vote-counting machines had to be replaced. Problems such as under-voting (when a machine fails to count a ballot) had to be fixed. The new machines would have to avoid the problems with punch-card ballots, including irregular nips, folds, or tears on a ballot, called "hanging chads."

The final outcome of the 2000 election was delayed about a week, leaving American voters in limbo regarding who would be the next president. In particular, the final vote count in the State of Florida was undetermined. Finally the Florida Supreme Court ruled that George W. Bush had the most electoral votes and would be the country's 43rd president, even though Vice-President Al Gore had the most popular votes.

In order to restore integrity to the American voting process, election machines would have to be re-designed. Since then, the old punch cards and lever-operated machines are being replaced by new electronic touch screen machines and optical scanning devices. Also various assistive technologies were added. Thus, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) was passed. There are several manufacturers of the new election machines, but each precinct must provide HAVA compliant equipment. Each state is responsible for purchasing its own machines.

 

Polling places

A voter using a wheelchair must at least be able to get inside the polling place! Polling places must be wheelchair accessible. Now in the 21st century, there is no excuse for inaccessibility. If you find you can not get into your local poling place because it's on too steep of an incline, or because it has a revolving door, or any other barrier, contact your local government immediately to request the polling place moved. It's especially helpful prior to an election so you can call your alderman or state representative well in advance. Every vote counts!

Note: In many cases it's actually easier for an elderly person or a person with a disability to vote by affidavit voting—voter is assisted by a person of his or her choice. An affidavit must be completed by the voter, as well as by the person assisting, but this just means signing a form. If a person is unable to reach a polling place, he or she may call the election commission in the area and request an absentee ballot to be mailed in advance of the election.

 

 

Nonvisual Election Technology Training Curriculum

An awareness and training curriculum by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) designed to focus on nonvisual access and usability of election technology. Designed to provide knowledge of blind voters' needs and the technology attributes necessary for nonvisual access for officials and decision makers who are procuring and implementing elections.  Also designed to provide info on how to aid blind and visually impaired voters at the polls without depriving them of the right to a secret vote. NFB has the most current nonvisual election technology commercially available.  View or download the training curriculum.