US elections | Voting as a person with disability: A step-by-step guide to using Accessible Voting Machines

In less than a week, millions in the United States will cast their ballot in the hard-to-predict 2024 US Presidential elections. With recent polls showing the two top candidates — Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris — engaged in a neck-to-neck race, every vote matters.

If you or someone you know has a disability and is confused about voting easily, do not fret. InAmerica, there are specific laws to ensure that voters with special needs do not face any barriers while casting their votes.

Here's a lowdown:

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Laws for voters with disabilities

There are several federal laws that protect the voting rights of Americans with disabilities. These include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

HAVA, 2002, mandates that every polling station must have at least one Accessible Voting Machine (AVM).

While many states let people with disabilities vote absentee by mail, voters with disabilities have the right to vote in private, without help at a polling booth; Have an accessible polling place with special voting machines.

Polling places are required to have wheelchair-accessible voting booths; entrances and doorways at least32 inches wide; handrails on all stairs and voting equipment for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Voters with a disability may seek help from poll workers trained to use an accessible voting machine or bring someone to help them vote.

Some states also offer "curbside voting," when a poll worker brings them everything they need to vote from their car. Alternatively, some local organisations also provide transportation to the polls.

What is an AVM?

Accessible Voting Machines (AVMs) are voting equipment designed to meet a range of needs, including support for voters with mobility, visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities.

These are usually equipped with touchscreens (so the user doesn't have to handle a physical ballot), audio assistance, braille keypads (for visually impaired voters) etc.

How to vote as a disabled voter: A step-by-step process

The usa.gov website suggests that voters with a disability should contact their state or local election office for accommodations they may need.

These machines allow voters with disabilities to cast their ballots independently and privately. While each machine may vary slightly depending on the type and brand, here's a general guide on how to use them:

Voters with disabilities are required to inform a poll worker if they require assistance.

Based on the voters' needs, poll workers help set up accessibility options.

These include headphones, braille keypads, touchscreens with adjustable font sizes, contrast, colour options and adaptive devices like a sip-and-puff system or foot pedal, for voters with limited hand movement.

The AVM will guide you through the voting process. Just follow the instructions relayed through your touchscreen or audio device.

Once the selections are made, AVMs usually show a review screen. For users with an audio disability, an audio confirmation might be available.

Once you've confirmed your selection, submit the ballot.

Note: For people with language barriers — who cannot read or write — federal laws allow them to bring someone to the polling booth to help.