Adult Participants Enjoy First-Hand Look at New Accessible Voting System

Date posted: October 1, 2019

Amy shows off her completed ballot with Kyle Dallman of Hamilton Co. Board of Elections.

A new accessible voting system has come to Cincinnati and participants of Stepping Stones got an advanced look ahead of next month’s election!

In September, two Hamilton County Board of Elections representatives visited Stepping Stones and led a presentation at our UCP Campus in Norwood about the accessible voting system. The new machines will help individuals with a variety of disabilities vote independently in all future elections. 

Testing the New Accessible Voting System

Three participant groups from our Adult Day Services program attended the demonstration, led by Kyle Dallman and Joe Ventre of Hamilton Co. Board of Elections. Participants learned about all the adaptive features of the new voting machines and enjoyed the opportunity to get first-hand experience by casting a sample ballot. 

While voting on the new machines, users can choose between a touchscreen or hand controllers in making selections. Voters can also customize the screen, making the font size both larger and smaller. As well, headphones are available to guide those with sight difficulties through the ballot.

Once a voter has finished making their selections, the new machine will print out a completed ballot to be turned in. To submit a vote, the ballot printout should be taken to the same scanner used to scan ballots completed by hand. 

“It’s very important to remember to wait and collect your printed ballot,” Dallman explained. “That is what will be scanned in and counted in the election.”

The accessible voting system is available throughout Hamilton County with machines at every polling station. Hamilton Co. Board of Elections also has an office in Norwood and invites the public to stop by at any time to learn more about the new machines as well as ask any questions. Early voting for the November 5 election opens on October 8. 

“We are a resource that we want the community to use,” shared Dallman. “And we are always happy to help!”

To learn more about Hamilton County’s new accessible voting system and other important election information, click here. 

The new accessible voting machines have adaptive technology to help those with disabilities vote independently.

Amy makes her selections using the touch screen.

Sherri and Joe Ventre of the Hamilton Co. Board of Elections.

Kyle Dallman shows Alan the handheld controller voters can use to make selections.

Participants had to opportunity to test the machines by completing a sample ballot, voting on their favorite local chili and sports teams.