EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Faith Gross
Organization : | Legal Center for People w/ Disabilities & Older
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
Section Comments
Section : | 2.2.7
Page no. : | 2-12
Line no.: |
Comment : | Page 2-12 of the proposed VVSG, 2.2.7 Human Factors states: “Ideally every voter would be able to vote independently and privately. As a practical matter, there may be a small number of voters whose disabilities are so severe that they will need personal assistance. Nonetheless, the requirements of this section are meant to make the voting system directly accessible to as many voters as possible.” I reviewed 2.2.7 using Dr. Golden’s comparison of the FEC 2002 Access Standards to the Proposed VVSG Access Standards as a guide. The addition of the VVPAT creates decreased access for voters with manual dexterity disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and some voters with vision disabilities. We are not opposed to a VVPAT, just determined to ensure that it is as universally accessible as is possible. Voters with disabilities should not have to give up their newly won right to vote in privacy and without assistance, unless they choose to have assistance. [Statements submitted at EAC public hearing, June 30, 2005, Denver, CO]