[NFB-Idaho] contacting you regarding the current inability of blind people to vote privately and independently by mail

[Dana Ard]

I am writing to you as the state president of the National Federation of the
Blind of Idaho. The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho is the largest
organization of the blind in Idaho and in the United States. During the
primary election in May, there was no accessible way for blind and print
disabled people to vote privately and independently in the primary election.
Since counties could make their own provisions for print disabled people,
several counties made no arrangements. The only alternative offered was for
us to go to a specific location to use the ballot marking machine. This was
unacceptable, since people who are blind or print disabled do not wish to be
exposed to Covid-19 anymore than the rest of the state's population. Because
of this limitation, many of our members did not vote. Some members,
including myself, asked help from a sighted friend and hoped that they
marked the ballot as requested. This solution is not acceptable as it takes
away our right under the Voting Rights act of 1964, and the Help America
Vote Act, for private and independent voting. As a result of the lack of
private and independent voting options, the National Federation of the Blind
of Idaho filed a complaint with the Department of Justice, Civil Rights
Division. A similar complaint was also filed by the American Council of the
Blind. Systems such as Democracy Live allow blind and other print disabled
people to vote privately and independently. Democracy live is not on-line
voting. A ballot is sent to the person via a secure portal. The person
completes the document using their preferred device with screen reading
software. The ballot is either printed or mailed back or can be sent back
through the secure portal. This system is now being used in several states
to give blind and print disabled people the right to vote privately and
independently. I am asking that you consider the concerns of our blind and
print disabled citizens when you meet on August 10. This upcoming election
is one of the most important elections in history. All Idahoans must be able
to vote privately and independently. I would like to talk with you
personally about these concerns and if possible, speak to the committee.
Thank you.   

 

Dana Ard, President

National Federation of the Blind of Idaho

Main: 208-345-3906

Cell: 208-859-2828 (call only)

Email: president at NFBIdaho.org

Website: www.nfbidaho.org

"The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
Blindness is not what holds you back."  

 



-- 
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus