Accessible Voting for People with Visual Impairments

Election Day Information from Lighthouse Guild

NEW YORK (October 21, 2024) – With Election Day rapidly approaching, millions of New Yorkers are preparing to vote. If you’ve ever felt frustrated or discouraged trying to vote on a paper ballot that is too difficult to read, you are not alone. However, you can ease this stressful situation by using a Ballot Marking Device (BMD), an accessible machine that can enlarge your ballot’s font size or audibly read out every word through headphones. These machines are touchscreens with optional buttons on the side, helping users vote for their candidates in every race on a particular ballot. The machines are easy to use and offer a secure and independent voting experience for anyone who is blind, visually impaired, or unable to read and mark a paper ballot on their own.

Dorothy Delayo, a poll worker for the NYC Board of Elections and a volunteer with Lighthouse Guild, has essential tips to help individuals who need assistance when they vote:

Ask to use a Ballot Marking Device as soon as you arrive.

There is at least one functioning BMD at every NYC polling site, and you have the right to request to use it for any reason. As soon as you sign in, let the poll worker know that you would like to vote using a ballot marking device. If you want to see how the machine works, you have the right to get assistance and must be aided by two poll workers, one from each party (Democrat and Republican).

If you are told “the Ballot Marking Devices are not working,” ask to speak with the Poll Site Coordinator.

Make sure you speak with the Poll Site Coordinator and let them know if the BMD is not working properly. They are required to reach out to the Board of Elections and have a replacement device delivered as soon as possible.

Be assertive and know your rights!

Do not be intimidated if your polling center appears crowded or hectic. You are your best advocate; tools are available to ensure you can cast your ballot, but it’s your responsibility to ask!

For more information about voting, and to learn more about accessible resources available, including absentee ballots, check out these links:

Find your poll site: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/

Information about voting accessibility: https://vote.nyc/page/accessibility

Information about Ballot Marking Devices: https://vote.nyc/page/ballot-marking-device

Accessible Voting: Know Your Rights: https://lighthouseguild.org/accessible-voting-know-your-rights/

For New York City Voters with vision impairment who have requested an accessible ballot from the Board of Elections, Lighthouse Guild is providing assistance and access to print the ballots.Visit https://lighthouseguild.org/events/accessible-ballot-printing-assistance/

Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild provides exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. We provide coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation and behavioral health as well as related services. Our podcast series, “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts,” offers information and insights about technological innovations that are tearing down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Source: Lighthouse Guild 

Press Contact: Bryan Dotson, Manners Dotson Group 

917-796-8632, bdotson@mannersdotson.com