<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hi Joe and NFBP friends,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I did it! Thanks to all of you who have made this possible. The NFB and the blindness movement are truly in good hands. I haven’t been keeping up with much since my husband Rich got sick and less so since his passing, and this question was probably asked and answered before. How many other states are doing this?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Donna<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b> KeyStoneChapter <keystonechapter-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Joseph Drenth via KeyStoneChapter<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Thursday, September 24, 2020 6:31 PM<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> nfbp-talk@nfbnet.org<br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Cc:</span></b> Joseph Drenth <joe.drenth@gmail.com>; nfbp-erie@nfbnet.org; 'NFB of Pennsylvania Capital Chapter List' <pacapitalchapter@nfbnet.org>; 'Greater Philadelphia Chapter Internet Mailing List' <greaterphilly@nfbnet.org>; Keystone Chapter List of the NFB of PA <keystonechapter@nfbnet.org><br><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [KeyStoneChapter] Request Your Accessible Mail-In Ballot for the November 3 Election (Pennsylvania Only)<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Pennsylvania Department of State has published instructions for requesting your accessible electronic ballot marking tool for the upcoming general election. The full instructions are further below, copied from the web page.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Here is the link to the web page that describes the process (the text of which is copied further below):<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Accessible-Remote-Ballot-Marking-Solution-for-Mail-Voting.aspx">https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Accessible-Remote-Ballot-Marking-Solution-for-Mail-Voting.aspx</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Short Version of the Instructions:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Step 1: If you have not already requested a mail-in ballot for the November 3 election, complete the following form to request the standard, inaccessible paper mail-in ballot. This is a required step. If you signed up for automatic delivery of the mail-in ballot during the primary election, then you can skip this step. If in doubt, submit the form at the following site:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin">https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Step 2: Complete the form at the following link to request an accessible electronic ballot. They recommend doing this within 24 hours of submitting the form in Step 1 above because they will skip sending you the paper ballot, since they will send you a link to complete the accessible electronic ballot, but they will send you the envelopes in which to return your accessible ballot once you print it:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DOS/Remote-Access-Ballot-Request">https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DOS/Remote-Access-Ballot-Request</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Step 3: Please send an email to us at the following email address to let us know that you requested an accessible ballot. This is very important for tracking how many people in Pennsylvania are using this tool, and your feedback will be very important in case we need to take the Department of State back to court in the future:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:vote@nfbp.org">vote@nfbp.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Here is the text of the Department of State web page about the accessible electronic ballot:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Accessible Remote Ballot Marking Solution for Mail Voting<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Department of State is committed to increasing accessibility for voters with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Voters may request an accessible remote ballot beginning with November 3, 2020, General Election.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>These ballots will allow voters who use screen readers and assistive devices to vote a mail ballot privately and independently.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>To obtain an accessible remote ballot, an individual must:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>• Be a registered Pennsylvania voter.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>• Apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by the deadline (October 27).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>• Submit a request for an accessible remote ballot<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The request can be by the following methods:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1. Accessible web-based request form for the remote ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2. Complete the accessible PDF application and either mail it to their county board of elections or email it to <a href="mailto:ra-awib@pa.gov">ra-awib@pa.gov</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>In order to apply for an accessible remote ballot, you must have applied for an absentee or mail-in ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>To avoid delays in processing your request, please submit your request within 24 hours of applying for your mail-in or absentee ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>After your county board of elections office processes your request, they will:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>• Mail you a packet of accessible voting materials.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This packet will contain a return envelope and a secrecy envelope.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>• Send you an email with instructions for how to access the ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Follow the instructions in the email to access the ballot, mark the ballot, print and review the ballot, and return the ballot to the county board of elections office. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>When you access the ballot, you will also find instructions for completing and returning the ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Return your ballot as early as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Your ballot must be postmarked or dropped off at the County Board of Elections or other drop-off location designated by the Board by 8 pm on Election Day, November 3rd.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Check the county website for times and locations.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>*** End of the web page.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I just completed both electronic forms above and received email after completing each one. The forms have a simple CAPTCHA for which you only need to click on the link immediately before clicking the “Next” or “continue” buttons. The CAPTCHA will time out after about 20 seconds (not sure exactly how long), so if you wait too long before going on to the next page you will have to click the CAPTCHA button again.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>If you have any questions, please send an email to <a href="mailto:vote@nfbp.org">vote@nfbp.org</a> and we will help.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The NFB of PA Accessible Voting Team<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Joseph Drenth <o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>First Vice-President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Pennsylvania State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Senior R&D Software Engineer, JBT Corporation, Automated Systems Division<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cell: 215-827-7787<o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Email: <a href="mailto:joe.drenth@gmail.com">joe.drenth@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p><p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Calibri><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p></div></body></html>