by Daniel Parker, RDPFS Contributor:
The 2024 elections, on November 5, 2024, will be here before we know it. In fact, according to an article from Newsweek, as of press time, early voting has already begun in Minnesota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Virginia. Additionally, some states have a deadline for registering to vote 30 days prior to Election Day. It is very important to be aware of accessible voting options, which can vary by state. These can include ballot-marking devices (BMDs) at polling places and electronic mail-in ballots. For some states that allow the latter, the ballot must be printed and mailed or dropped off at the local Board of Elections. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has a voting resources page with a plethora of information, including videos on how to use BMDs. According to the NFB surveys, a third of poll workers do not know how to use the BMD, requiring the voter with vision loss to vote with assistance rather than privately and independently, as is their right. The videos are designed to correct this by helping voters and poll workers learn to use common BMDs and troubleshoot problems. They also have a Blind Voter’s Guide to Voting, which provides an overview of rights and accessible voting options. A similar Voting Toolkit is provided by the American Council of the Blind (ACB). The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) also has a Voting Accessibility site with resources for poll workers, public officials, and voters. In finalizing plans to vote in this year’s elections, be sure that you are registered by your state’s deadline for your preferred voting method. A list of these deadlines can be found on the Vote.org website here.
