VisionCorps clients experiencing low vision and blindness were introduced to new, accessible features of Lancaster County voting machines ahead of the upcoming election. During a recent support group meeting for individuals experiencing vision loss, Randall Wenger of the Lancaster County Board of Elections and Registration demonstrated new key features that are designed to improve the voting experience for individuals living with low vision or blindness. Lancaster is known as the first Pennsylvania county to use the most recent voting system, though it has been available in other areas of the country.
The new system includes features like changing colors (color, black and white, or inverted black and white), varying text sizes, Braille keys, and headphones. The system gives the user audio cues throughout the entire ballot navigation process and includes three wheels on the controller (move, select, or get help), each with Braille beneath it to help indicate what it does. Users will also be able to review an audible summary of the ballot at the end of the process.
Poll workers will be trained on the new system to ensure voters receive the guidance they may need. Sample ballots will be available online prior to the election at http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/elections.
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