As Mass. tests its aging devices for voters with disabilities, advocates stress their critical role (WBUR)
Below is an excerpt of an article published by WBUR on October 29 where disability advocates express hope that any problems with accessible voting machines will be minimized this election, although they acknowledge that the aging technology may become less reliable over time. Disability Law Center’s Brianna Zimmerman is quoted
Before every election, Massachusetts tests accessible voting machines that all polling locations must provide voters with disabilities, like those who are blind or low vision, so they may vote independently. Many of these machines, called AutoMARKs, are nearly 20 years old.
Despite the aging tech, a spokeswoman for the secretary of state’s office said the test runs help voters avoid problems at the ballot box.
“You shouldn’t really run into any issues on Election Day,” Deborah O’Malley, the office’s communications director, said. She added the state keeps backup machines on hand and an employee ready to deliver them if an issue arises.
Disability advocates say they’re hopeful the AutoMARKs will operate without complications this election. Though rare, however, they say machine malfunctions or printer jams have forced voters to wait to cast their ballots. Pressed for time, some voters opted to let poll workers mark the ballots for them.
