Hysteria Over Touchscreen Voting Systems Ignores People with Disabilities
By Yeager, Patricia; AT Journal, Vol. 94, No. 1Publication Date: April 2004
Article discusses a conflict of interest involving the disability community and parties who are calling for the abolition of touchscreen voting systems due to computer system security. Touchscreen voting machines provide an opportunity for people with disabilities, people who cannot read, and people to whom English is not their primary language to vote independently. Instead of relying on someone else to cast his or her ballot, individuals who are blind or who have mobility impairments, or even those who cannot read or speak English can cast a secret ballot using a touchscreen and/or a voice recording that can be accessed through headphones. Without the use of assistive technology in voting, the integrity of the institution of a “secret ballot” is compromised, as only people who are not disabled are allowed to keep their vote as a secret.
Published by:
AT Network (Web Site: http://www.atnet.org )
Link to text: http://www.atnet.org/news/2004/apr04/040104.htm
