[Ct-nfb] [FWD: Updated information regarding new accessible voting system option in Connecticut]

[Jim McCollum]

Hello, Rich and all. 
The touch screen is not the only option. You have a choice between a touch screen and a keypad. Also, voters will be provided with headphones. If this works as intended, it will not take any rights away from anyone. 
Have a nice day. 


Jim McCollum
Legislative Co-ordinator
National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut
j.mccollum64 at comcast.net
860-581-0430
Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 6, 2016, at 7:13 AM, Richard McGaffin via Ct-nfb <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Good morning all, 
> 
> This tablet thing is a  joke. I use an amazon fire tablet with voice accessibility which freezes constantly by switching to a tablet, I believe they've taken the vote from the blind, so I want to thank those who've taken this away from me and all other blind voters. I also hope you realize that by using voice activation you're taking away our privacy unless the polling places will also be providing head phones. This is the stupidest idea I've heard of in quite some time.
> 
> I now know I'll be staying home and not voting this year.
> 
> Rich
> 
> 
> On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 1:40 PM, Lucia Lee via Ct-nfb <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Updated information regarding new accessible voting system
> option in Connecticut
> From: "Sigman, Brian" <Brian.Sigman at ct.gov>
> 
> 
> Good afternoon,
> Last week I forwarded a communication regarding the new accessible voting system option in Connecticut that will be in place for the November election. Subsequent to forwarding that information it was discovered that the access code provided for testing the new system was not functioning. Below is an updated message from Elanah Sherman at the Office of Protection and Advocacy. When a corrected access phone number and testing code become available, I will pass that along as well. We are sorry for any confusion that the prior notification has caused. Please pass along this new information to anyone whom you may have forwarded the prior message to. Thank you.
>  
> May I use the voting system of my choice?
> Yes. Connecticut offers two methods of voting at the polling place. One way is via the manual ballot; the other method, new in 2016, is via a tablet with optional voice output and keypad.  Anyone, with or without a disability, may vote by either method – it’s up to you!
> How does the manual ballot system work?
> Each voter is given a paper ballot with the names of candidates (and, sometimes, referendum questions), along with a marker for filling in the circles next to your choices. Once you complete the ballot, you deposit it into the optical scan tabulator, which counts the votes.
> How do I use the tablet ballot marking system?
> The tablet system is a ballot-marking device that replaces the old phone/fax technology. The new technology includes a tablet and a keypad with head phones. You may vote using the touch screen on the tablet, or by using the connected audio system on the keypad. The audio system, which includes head phones, works by a series of cues requiring you to push different buttons on the keypad to make your choices. (The audio process is very similar to that provided on the old system.) Both the touch screen and the audio provide you with the opportunity to review and revise your choices. After you are done voting (by either touch screen or keypad), a printer produces a paper ballot that reflects your choices. The voter then feeds the ballot through the same tabulator that counts the ballots that were manually completed.
> The audio component may be preferable for people with visual disabilities; people who prefer audio cues, including individuals who have difficulty reading; and people with learning disabilities.
> What are the main differences between the new system and the old system?
> ·       The new system is tablet-based, rather than based on a phone line.
> ·       The new system offers two options, touch screen and audio, rather than just audio.
> ·       The new audio component uses head phones (with disposable sanitized covers) rather than a receiver.
> ·       The new system includes a key pad with standard-sized keys, rather than the over-size keys that were on the old phone.
> Is there a way to practice using the audio technology from home before Election Day?
> The audio component will be available for practice on the manufacturer’s demonstration phone number soon. As soon as P&A receives the correct number, we will distribute it widely.
> May I vote from home using the tablet system?
> No. The tablet system will only be available at your polling place.
>  
>  
> 
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