[Nfbf-l] vote in braille

[taraprakash]

Hi all.
The following news item is from Delhi, the capital of India. Wonder if this facility is available anywhere in the US, if not, high time to follow suit.

Regards
Tara
The Hindu News Update Service
 
News Update Service
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 : 0230 Hrs       

Regional
Delhi polls: ballot paper in Braille for visually-challenged 

New Delhi (PTI): Visually-challenged people can now cast their votes without assistance in the Delhi assembly polls as ballot paper in Braille has been
prepared for their convenience. 

This is for the first time that such a facility has been provided by the Delhi electoral office as so far such voters had to take assistance while exercising
their franchise. 

"But no more. For all the assembly constituencies we have prepared a ballot paper with details of name of the candidate, his party name and its serial number
on the electronic voting machine in the Braille language," a senior election officer told PTI. 

Explaining the process of how a visually-challenged voter can exercise his franchise, the official said that the person concerned will have to ask the election
authorities at the polling booth for Braille ballot paper. 

"After reading the ballot paper he can find out the serial number of his candidate on the EVM. Then he can push the button in front of the serial number
which will also be in Braille language," the official said. 

"Thus, a voter having no eye-sight does not have to look for any help. This will ensure his secrecy in casting his vote which is his right," the official
added. 

He added that only those who can read the special language can avail themselves of the benefit. 

Though the Delhi chief electoral office has not estimated the number of blind people in the national capital requiring the facility, ballot papers in Braille
will be made available at every polling station to ensure that they can be used, if need be. 

In April 2004, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to ensure that all EVMs are equipped with Braille signs for the benefit of blind people
apart from taking other disabled-friendly measures.