Voting Machine Gets High
Marks
by Mai Thor
The buzz in the disability
community for the upcoming elections is the debut of the AutoMARK
voting machine. People with disabilities all over the state are
extremely excited to have this ballot marking machine available
to enable disabled voters to finally have the opportunity to vote
independently and privately. As a ballot marking machine, the AutoMARK
performs as sort of an "electronic pen." The
ballot is inserted into the machine, and the voter can choose the
candidates by either touching the screen of the machine or using
the keypad.
The machine has audio
instructions to guide the voter through each race. After voting
is completed, the Auto- MARK will verify the votes that have been
made on the ballot with the voter. After verification, the voter
can instruct the AutoMARK to "mark" the ballot
by printing it. The ballot is ejected and can then be taken to the
ballot counter.
"This is an exciting breakthrough for blind Minnesotans and
for other people with disabilities. For the first time, blind people
will be able to vote without any assistance from another human being," said
Steve Jacobson, a member of the National Federation of the Blind
of Minnesota.
The primary and general
elections are approaching quickly. This year, primaries will be
held on September 12th and the general election on November 7th.
Voters are encouraged to become familiar with AutoMARK before then
so that they’ll know what to expect. There will
be many opportunities during the coming months to try out the new
machine. Most counties will provide demonstrations in their respective
government centers. City halls, libraries, various disability organizations
and county fairs--and the state fair--are other venues where folks
will be able to cast a practice vote on the new device. The Medicaid
town hall forums will also provide opportunities for
people from all parts of the state to try the new machine.
Where to Go to Test Out
the AutoMark Voting Machine in the Coming Months
In Hennepin County
demonstrations will be held at service centers, libraries and malls.
For more information: HC.Vote@co.hennepin.mn.us,
612-348-5151.
In Ramsey County
demonstrations will be held in various facilities including nursing
homes, libraries and hi-rises. For more information: elections@co.ramsey.mn.us,
651-266-2171.
In Anoka County
demonstrations will be held in the county government center in
Anoka and in each city hall by mid-July. For more information:
Elections@co.anoka.mn.us, 763-323-5275.
In Dakota County
demonstrations are currently scheduled for the County Fair from
August 7th-13th and the Lakeville area council meeting on July
3rd. For more information: elections@co.dakota.mn.us,
651-438-4380.
In Washington County
demonstrations will be held in the county government center in
Stillwater and in each city hall by the beginning of August. Demonstrations
also are scheduled for the Washington County Fair on Saturday,
August 5th. For more information: elections@co.washington.mn.us,
651-430-6175.
Statewide:
At Medicaid Town Hall Forums.
At
Office of the Secretary of State events planned throughout the state
this summer with the AutoMark.
Form more information: go
to www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp and
click on About the Office/News/Voter Outreach and Education. At this
Web site you can also recommend an event for an AutoMark demonstration.
