[NFBMT] LEGISLATIVE ALERT: SB 291 REVISE LAWS ON VOTING SYSTEMS AND BALLOT FORM

Sun Mar 31 17:01:43 UTC 2019

>From what I understand, the AutoMark machines are eventually going to be 
replaced by other newer technology that doesn't put out the same size ballot as 
the paper ballots.  So somebody or somebodys will have to transcribe the 
information printed out by the new technology onto paper ballots like the ones 
used by everybody else, to preserve our privacy and secrecy.  Apparently they 
do the same for military voters who vote overseas

Right now, Montana is using the AutoMARK, but as they age and are no longer 
able to be repaired, this will change.

This is information from the Montana Secretary of State web site.

Voters with Disabilities

ELECTRONIC BALLOT REQUEST SYSTEM

Montana's Statewide Elections have various options for voters with disabilities 
or voters who need special assistance, including the new Electronic Ballot 
Request System (EBRS), available for state and federal elections beginning 30 
days before election day and through noon the day before election day.

Every polling place in Montana has at least one specialized voting machine, 
called an AutoMARK, that enables people with disabilities to vote independently 
and privately.

If you cannot enter a polling place, election judges will assist you with 
"curbside voting."

If you have a physical disability or are unable to read or write, you may ask 
an election judge to help you mark your ballot. Or, you can bring any 
individual (other than your employer or employer's agent or union agent) who, 
with the permission of the election judge, can go into the voting booth with 
you and
help you vote. You may also designate an agent to assist you with the voting 
process on the
Designation of Agent by Individual with Disability
 form. Deliver the signed application to your
local election office.
You may apply for an electronic ballot that can be marked on your personal 
computer, printed and returned by mail or in person to the election office.

The Voter Information Pamphlet published by the Secretary of State for each 
state general election is available in Braille and audio formats.

Dar
Every Saint has a past,
Every sinner has a future, Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 29, 2019, at 11:17 PM, BRUCE&JOY BRESLAUER via NFBMT 
> <nfbmt at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hello, fellow Montana Federationists.
>
>
>
> SB 291, the bill to revise laws on voting systems and ballot form,
> will have a public hearing on Tuesday, April 2 at 8:00 A.M. before the
> House State Administration Committee.
>
> It already sailed through the Senate, and now it's the House's turn to
> consider SB 291.  We should make our voices heard concerning our
> desire to vote privately and independently, and our desire to assure
> that our ballots are the same as everyone else uses.  Since there are
> no voting machines available now that comply with our wishes, the only
> other option is to push for integration of the machines so that an
> increased number and diversity of voters will use them
>
>
>
> If I can find transportation to Helena, I will be going to represent us.
> Regardless of whether I am able to go, I sent in my testimony.  See below.
>
>
>
> Snip snip
>
> I am writing as an individual who is blind, and also as the first vice
> president of the National Federation of the Blind of Montana, the
> largest consumer advocacy and civil rights organization in the United
> States, consisting of over fifty thousand members, and with chapters
> in all fifty states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto
> Rico.  The only way I would be for this bill is if all voters were
> encouraged to use the same voting technology, so that the ballots of
> disabled voters cannot be distinguished from those of nondisabled
> voters.  I would feel better if our privacy and secrecy rights were
> built in to the process from the beginning, rather than added on as a
> rather clumsy afterthought.  The ballots used by the disabled should
> be of the same size and content as those used by the nondisabled
> population.  that is the only way to guarantee the secrecy and privacy
> of voting which every other citizen enjoys.  I can't stress this strongly 
> enough.  thank you for taking my concerns into consideration.
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
> friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind.
> Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
>
> Snip snip
>
>
>
> If you would like to leave a message for a legislator, you can call
> 406-444-4800 and operators will take a message that will be forwarded
> to legislators.  Please be aware that they will ask for your name and
> address, which will not be shared other than with the legislator. The
> operators can take a message for up to 5 legislators at one time or to an 
> entire committee.
>
>
>
> You may also contact legislators using the online web message form.
>
> https://leg.mt.gov/web-messaging/
>
>
>
> Joy Breslauer, First Vice President and Public Policies Committee
> chair
>
> National Federation of the Blind of Montana
>
> Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/>
>
>
>
> Live the life you want
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
> friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind.
> Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
>
> _______________________________________________
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