EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Day Al-Mohamed
Organization : | The American Council of the Blind
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
Section Comments
Section : | 2.2.7.1.2.2.6
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Comment : | With the current emphasis on VVPAT and its use as the “ballot of record” in a number of elections, it is imperative that the Acc-VS “shall” provide accessible verification for “blind and visually impaired” voters. Considering that HAVA funds are provided for a one-time purchase, the majority of states will not be able to move from a “should” system to a “shall” system easily. Therefore, requiring this accommodation now (i.e. utilizing a “shall”) is appropriate. ACB would also recommend deletion of the first sentence and alteration of the word “ as this section currently uses two disparate terms “blind” and then “visually impaired” which may cause confusion as to the appropriate necessary accommodations. In addition, the expansion of accessibility to the VVPAT (which would be required under HAVA if it is the ballot of record), would require that the standards ensure alternative large print output, not just audio output to provide access for individuals who are visually impaired. In addition, 2.2.7.1.2.2.6 specifically only says that an accessible voting system “should” allow blind voters to verify the VVPAT. Conversely, standard 6.0.2.3.2. requires a system with VVPAT to enable blind voters to perform the verification. These standards are contradictory. In addition, it is unclear what decibel scale is used in the audio output standards.