Download POLL MANAGERS HANDBOOK

Voting Machine Procedures
40
Accessibility Features
The voting machine and booth has several accessibility features that make voting easier for voters
with disabilities.
•Any voting booth can be made accessible to a voter in a wheelchair by removing the legs
from the voting booth and placing it on a table. Ensure that the voting booth can still be
plugged into a power source instead of relying on battery power.
•The ADA machine features an audio ballot that makes voting accessible to voters who are
blind or visually impaired. The ADA machine has Braille-embossed buttons and a headphone
jack. Don’t assume a voter is blind or visually impaired. If a voter indicates he is blind or
visually impaired, the manager should offer use of the ADA machine. Headphones should
be included in polling place supplies, but the voter may also use his own headphones. The
visually impaired person may also choose to vote with assistance from another person (see
“Assistance to Voters” section).
•Any voting machine can be removed from the booth and used for curbside voting (see “Curbside Voting” section). A voting machine can be placed in the lap of a voter in a wheelchair if
the voter requests it.
Time for Voter to Remain in Voting Machine Booth
No voter is allowed to remain in a voting machine longer than three minutes. If the voter refuses to
leave after a lapse of three minutes, the voter may be removed by the managers. After three minutes
has passed and if other voters are waiting, the voter should be reminded of the three minute rule and
asked to finish voting (7-13-1820).
Instructions After the Voter has Entered the Voting Machine Booth
After a voter has entered a voting machine booth and asks for further instructions concerning the
manner of voting, two of the managers should give instructions to him. But no election official should
in any manner request or seek to persuade or induce any voter to vote in any particular manner. After giving instructions, the voter must be allowed to cast his ballot in secret (7-13-1830).
Procedure When Machine Will Not Operate
If one machine becomes inoperative, the managers must notify the election commission and continue