By Steven Spencer
The Illinois State Board of Elections announced the launch of a remotely accessible vote-by-mail system that allows blind, deafblind and voters with other disabilities to vote privately and independently.
In a press release, the State Board of Elections said the system will allow voters who can’t see to use screen reader technology, providing them the opportunity to vote without someone to assist them with reading the ballot.
Recent state legislation required that local election authorities provide voters with disabilities an accessible vote-by-mail system, starting with the November 2022 general election.
The legislation was prompted by years of advocacy from the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, Equip for Equality, The Illinois Council of the Blind, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago and Reform for Illinois.
“We are thrilled that vote-by-mail is a reality for our blind community,” Marilyn Green, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, said in the release. “People who are blind, deafblind, or have other print disabilities can vote privately and independently in the June 2022 primary and beyond. We are thankful to all who joined in the effort to bring accessible vote-by-mail to Illinois.”
Bernadette Matthews, Executive Director of the Illinois State Board of Elections, said ensuring voters’ rights is the board’s mission and the development of the system is a major step for the state.
“Ensuring the right to vote for all Illinois voters is the mission of the State Board of Elections and the 108 local election authorities who conduct the state’s elections,” Matthews said. “Allowing voters with print disabilities to vote independently is a major step for elections in Illinois.”
Voters interested in vote-by-mail can contact their local county clerk or other election authority.
