<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div>Hello, all. The new voting system will feature a choice between a touch screen and a telephone style keypad. We're not being forced to use a touch screen. </div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><br><br>Jim McCollum<div>Legislative Co-ordinator</div><div>National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut</div><div><a href="mailto:j.mccollum64@comcast.net">j.mccollum64@comcast.net</a></div><div>860-581-0430</div><div>Sent from my iPhone</div></div><div><br>On Oct 9, 2016, at 9:47 AM, bob morrissey <<a href="mailto:rjmorrissey26@gmail.com">rjmorrissey26@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Hello All,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">As a blind voter, I have used the telephone approach to posting a ballot in several recent elections at my polling place. The technology allowed me to move from the Absentee Ballot approach with my magnification device from home. Since use of a telephone key pad is a very familiar grid, it was very smooth to go to that model of voting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Not knowing about a tablet key pad, never having used this type of approach seems daunting and potentially confusing. If we had the choice of either telephone or tablet and could choose, or had the opportunity to use the tablet prior to actually voting, real time, then I think the comfort of all such voters would be elevated. We all know that constant change is here to stay, but many of us had just gotten comfortable with the telephone method of voting at the polling place in the last couple of years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Perhaps a more gradual transition to this new tablet would be in order, if that is at all possible. Personally,, I may just go back to the Absentee Ballot for this one, until I am confident that I can navigate the new tablet successfully.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Good luck to all of us who use special technology to cast our votes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Bob Morrissey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> CT-NFB [<a href="mailto:ct-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org">mailto:ct-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Richard McGaffin via CT-NFB<br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, October 07, 2016 6:36 AM<br><b>To:</b> Jim McCollum; Nathanael T. Wales<br><b>Cc:</b> Richard McGaffin; Sigman, Brian; CTABS List serv; NFB of Connecticut Mailing List<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Ct-nfb] [FWD: Updated information regarding new accessible voting system option in Connecticut]<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26063"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Good morning all, <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26068"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26069"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">I wish to echo Nathanial's comments I hope that they'll have this new tablet thing at the state convention so people can at least look at it, unfortunately I'll not be there, but I will bring my magnifier with me when I vote, and use a paper ballet, or perhaps I won't vote at all. It's unclear, my mind and time is cluttered with personal issues which unfortunately are coming through with my frustrating out bursts. which is why I'm staying silent for the most part.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26108"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26107"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Be well my friends & I wish you all luck.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26106"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475830669845_26105"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Rich<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><div><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black">On Friday, October 7, 2016 5:14 AM, Jim McCollum <<a href="mailto:j.mccollum64@comcast.net">j.mccollum64@comcast.net</a>> wrote:</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div id="yiv6947219543"><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Hello, Nathanael, Rich, and all. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="yiv6947219543AppleMailSignature"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">I have reached out to both the Secretary of State and Protection and Advocacy. I am waiting to hear back from them, but I'm optimistic that we can put something together. Unfortunately, I have very little time to work with because we were informed about the new technology so late. Brian Sigman from BESB will be at our convention. I'll keep everybody informed. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="yiv6947219543AppleMailSignature"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br><br>Jim McCollum<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Legislative Co-ordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><a href="mailto:j.mccollum64@comcast.net" target="_blank">j.mccollum64@comcast.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">860-581-0430<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Sent from my iPhone<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yqt96499"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br>On Oct 6, 2016, at 11:07 PM, Nathanael T. Wales <<a href="mailto:ntwales@omsoft.com" target="_blank">ntwales@omsoft.com</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yqt68900"><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Rich – I too feel your frustration about these new voting machines. With all of the time and investment that the state made in investigating and purchasing them, the general announcement from the director of BESB sent to our outreach office—thank you, Lucia, for forwarding this out immediately to our fellow members—is the first that I and at least a few key leaders in the NFB of Connecticut have heard of these new machines. No one in state government, be it the Secretary of State, BESB, DORS, the governor’s guy who came to one of our affiliate board meetings a few months before his boss was up for reelection (and I don’t intend that to be partisan; many reading this are welcome to have drinks at our state convention and I’ll share my evolving partisan views with you in the bar), reached out to us. Can anyone on this listserve say they’ve yet tested these new machines? And it’s been announced so late that no one could have come to our September board meeting, which I’m sure we would have found time in or extended so we could look at these early instead of the weekend before the election (and I think it’s a nonpartisan view that it’ll be a very big one at that). I know that Jim McCollum, the convention chair and legislative chair, has been trying to get someone to come to our state convention to talk about these new machines, let our members use them hands-on probably for the first time, and answer questions about how they’ve reached out to the elections officials in every town (it’s been at best very hit or miss for the past 8 years in many towns); as of this evening I don’t know that he’s gotten a response; I mean, I’m sure that the Secretary of State and all of her staff have nothing better to do the weekend before this election than reach out to historically disenfranchised and disilluisioned voters who they’ve again disenfranchised. Maybe they can stop by on their way back from checking in on the number of ballots printed in Bridgeport for the following Tuesday…All that said, I think there is still an opportunity to let the state start to do the right thing and we should give them a chance, though their time is running out and it’s not just you that’s extremely skeptical.</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Jim – Thank you for working so hard to get someone from the Secretary of State to come to our convention; it’s a critical item. And it’s good outreach to blind people locally who may just come to the convention to check out the machines in person, voice their opinions to state officials, etc. I’d certainly be interested to learn on this listserve what responses you get, and I’d urge you to keep state officials’ feet to the fire on this issue. Let us know how we can help. You are correct, of course: “</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">If this works as intended, it will not take any rights away from anyone.” The key caveat is if it works as intended; with what I’ve seen so far, like with the ability to practice now with the machine over the phone, I’m very skeptical that it will, and I’d be pleased to be proved wrong. Please keep up your excellent work!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">I will say, though, that if these machines do work as intended there is one item of privacy that I do like. With the old vote-by-phone ballots they were placed in a different slot in the ballot box and tabulated separately; if you were the only voter in the precinct who used the vote-by-phone your ballot would be the only one of its kind therefore the elections officials would know who you voted for. With these new machines the ballots they produce are tabulated just the same as the hand-marked ballots that 99.99% of voters will probably use and your ballot will just be mixed in with them and not really stand out.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Best to everyone,</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Nathanael T. Wales</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> Ct-nfb [<a href="mailto:ct-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">mailto:ct-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Jim McCollum via Ct-nfb<br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, October 06, 2016 7:33 AM<br><b>To:</b> Richard McGaffin; NFB of Connecticut Mailing List<br><b>Cc:</b> Jim McCollum; CTABS List serv<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [Ct-nfb] [FWD: Updated information regarding new accessible voting system option in Connecticut]</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Hello, Rich and all. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543AppleMailSignature"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543AppleMailSignature"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Have a nice day. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543AppleMailSignature"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br><br>Jim McCollum<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Legislative Co-ordinator<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><a href="mailto:j.mccollum64@comcast.net" target="_blank">j.mccollum64@comcast.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">860-581-0430<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Sent from my iPhone<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br>On Oct 6, 2016, at 7:13 AM, Richard McGaffin via Ct-nfb <<a href="mailto:ct-nfb@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">ct-nfb@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt"><div><div><div id="yiv6947219543yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475745780367_37295"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Good morning all, </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475745780367_37335"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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.</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475745780367_37333"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475745780367_37322"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">I now know I'll be staying home and not voting this year.</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475745780367_37330"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div id="yiv6947219543yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1475745780367_37437"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Rich</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 1:40 PM, Lucia Lee via Ct-nfb <<a href="mailto:ct-nfb@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">ct-nfb@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:</span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><div id="yiv6947219543"><div><div><div style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><blockquote style="border:none;border-left:solid blue 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:6.0pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt" id="yiv6947219543replyBlockquote"><div id="yiv6947219543wmQuoteWrapper"><div style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">-------- Original Message --------<br>Subject: Updated information regarding new accessible voting system<br>option in Connecticut<br>From: "Sigman, Brian" <<a href="mailto:Brian.Sigman@ct.gov" target="_blank">Brian.Sigman@ct.gov</a>></span><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Good afternoon,</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">May I use the voting system of my choice?</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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!</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">How does the manual ballot system work?</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">How do I use the tablet ballot marking system?</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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. </span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">What are the main differences between the new system and the old system?</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black"> </span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">The new system is tablet-based, rather than based on a phone line.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black"> </span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">The new system offers two options, touch screen and audio, rather than just audio.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black"> </span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">The new audio component uses head phones (with disposable sanitized covers) rather than a receiver.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black"> </span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">The new system includes a key pad with standard-sized keys, rather than the over-size keys that were on the old phone.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">Is there a way to practice using the audio technology from home before Election Day?</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">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.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">May I vote from home using the tablet system?</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">No. The tablet system will only be available at your polling place.</span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"> </span></b><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div><div style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><br>_______________________________________________<br>Ct-nfb mailing list<br><a href="mailto:Ct-nfb@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">Ct-nfb@nfbnet.org</a><br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org</a><br>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Ct-nfb:<br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/rmcgaffin%40snet.net" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/rmcgaffin%40snet.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt"><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black">_______________________________________________<br>Ct-nfb mailing list<br><a href="mailto:Ct-nfb@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">Ct-nfb@nfbnet.org</a><br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org</a><br>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Ct-nfb:<br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/j.mccollum64%40comcast.net" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/j.mccollum64%40comcast.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></body></html>