[Nfbv-announce] National Federation of the Blind to Run Blind Voter Hotline

[Fredric Schroeder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org 

 

National Federation of the Blind to Run Blind Voter Hotline

 

Election Day Hotline to Ensure Blind Voters 
Receive Right to Private, Independent Vote

 

Baltimore, Maryland (November 2, 2012): The  <http://www.nfb.org> National
Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people
in the United States, today announced that it will be hosting an Election
Day hotline that blind voters, poll workers, and voting rights advocates can
call if problems arise with accessible voting technology or if other
barriers prevent a blind voter from casting a private and independent
ballot.

 

 <https://nfb.org/hava-legislation> The Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
requires that every polling place have at least one accessible voting
machine available for every federal election so that voters with
disabilities can cast a private and independent ballot.  The hotline will be
available on November 6, 2012, by calling 1-877-632-1940 from 7 a.m. EST to
7 p.m. PST.  Individuals who have experience in the operation of accessible
voting technology will be manning the hotline to provide assistance to blind
voters, election officials, and voting rights advocates. 

 

 <http://www.nfb.org/marc-maurer-bio> Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the
<http://www.twitter.com/NFB_voice> National Federation of the Blind, said:
"The Help America Vote Act was enacted to ensure that all Americans,
including those who are blind or have low vision, receive the basic right to
vote privately and independently.  Unfortunately our experience has been
that not every polling place is compliant with HAVA.  We will be conducting
this voter hotline to make certain that no blind person is denied the right
to a private and independent vote." 

 

Following the November 6th elections, the National Federation of the Blind
will conduct an online survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7KZSHGS>  to
gather information about the experiences of blind voters.  

 

The National Federation of the Blind needs your support to ensure that blind
children get an equal education, to connect blind veterans with the training
and services they need, and to help seniors who are losing vision continue
to live independent and fulfilling lives. To make a donation, please go to
<http://www.nfb.org> www.nfb.org.

 

 

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About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and most
influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United
States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and
equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology,
and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision
with the tools they need to become independent and successful.  We need your
support.  To make a donation, please go to  <http://www.nfb.org>
www.nfb.org.