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We are calling on everyone, including voters, non-voters, election
officials, people with disabilities, designers, engineers, and
students, to help us make elections more accessible for everyone.<br>
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<b>We invite you to join us in this challenge.</b><br>
<br>
Read more below or visit us at: <b><a moz-do-not-send="true"
title="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html"
href="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html">http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html</a></b><br>
<br>
<b>What is the challenge?</b><br>
We are searching for creative answers to the question: How might
we design an accessible election experience for everyone?<br>
<br>
Here’s how the process works. We start by trying to better
understand the problem. Over the next few weeks, everyone will
be invited to help us research the issues and share their
experiences. We are sharing stories, insights and examples of
voting systems or experiences that might relate to elections and
accessibility.<br>
<br>
In a few weeks, we’ll start focusing on brainstorming solutions.
Along the way, there will be opportunities for feedback and to
refine concepts and solutions. <br>
<br>
You can join the challenge at any time. The discussion is always
open. <br>
<br>
<b>Who should participate?</b><br>
Everyone is encouraged to participate. Everyone. That includes
you!<br>
<br>
To participate, go to: <a moz-do-not-send="true"
title="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html"
href="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html">http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html</a><br>
<br>
Why are we hosting this challenge?<br>
We believe elections can be made more accessible for people with
disabilities and anyone else who faces barriers to participating
in democracy. <br>
<br>
All of the ideas generated by this challenge will be made freely
available to anyone who wants to implement them. For example,
Los Angeles County elections officials will be following this
challenge in their pursuit of a modern voting system. In L.A.
County alone, your ideas during this challenge can help improve
the voting experience for 4.5 million voters.<br>
<br>
<b>Who is hosting the challenge?</b><br>
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is a
non-profit think tank at the cutting edge of designing policies
that will boost economic growth and improve quality of life in
the United States and around the world. The ITIF Accessible
Voting Technology Initiative is a project funded by the U.S.
Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make voting processes
and technology more accessible. We are partnering with OpenIDEO
on this challenge. OpenIDEO is an open innovation platform that
taps into the scale of social networks to tackle challenges for
social good. This challenge is one way we are exploring new
ideas for improving elections. For more about our project, go
to <a moz-do-not-send="true"
title="blocked::http://elections.itif.org/"
href="blocked::http://elections.itif.org/">http://elections.itif.org</a>.<br>
<br>
<b>What should you do next?</b><br>
To start, read the challenge brief (<a moz-do-not-send="true"
title="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html"
href="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html">http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/brief.html</a>)
to get a sense of the scope and direction for the challenge. <br>
<br>
Then head over to OpenIDEO (<a moz-do-not-send="true"
title="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/inspiration/"
href="blocked::http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/inspiration/">http://www.openideo.com/open/voting/inspiration/</a>).
Browse through some of the ideas that have already been posted.
Create an account, and you can add your own comments to the
discussion, or post an Inspiration of your own. <br>
<br>
As experts in accessible design and working with people with
disabilities, you will bring a knowledge of what works, and
where we need new ideas. Your voice in the discussion will help
thousands of designers understand not only the need for better
accessibility, but how to make it a reality.<br>
<br>
We’re relying on your input to ensure that the work we do
together is thoughtful, grounded, and has a real potential for
impact. <br>
<br>
<b>Is the site accessible?</b><br>
The OpenIDEO team is working to improve the accessibility of the
site. We know it’s not optimal, but they are working to get
there. If you have ideas or comments to improve the OpenIDEO
site, write <a moz-do-not-send="true"
title="blocked::mailto:tohello@openideo.com"
href="blocked::mailto:tohello@openideo.com">tohello@openideo.com</a> and
the community managers will make sure your feedback is heard.<o:p></o:p></p>
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