Working to Make ALL Elections Accessible

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Thomas Green

On April 24, 2012  House Bill 1901, Accessible Voting System for every election, was discussed by the Elections Committee.   I testified before the committee saying that accessible voting is important for people with disabilities in every election because as we all know, a vast majority of the major decisions that affect our lives are not only influenced by Federal Elections but are decided here at the State and local levels. These decisions relate to education, public accommodations, employment opportunities, accessible housing and transportation, and necessary healthcare.

The committee had a few questions about HB1901; who will pay for the cost of using the equipment during election? What is the cost for the states? Will election boards have to purchase their own voting machines for their elections? Who would be responsible for the cost of maintaining and upkeep of the equipment? Who would pay for designing and programming the ballots for the equipment? While these are valid questions, at the core of the issue is the right to an independent, secret vote.  The cost of implementation should not be a deterrent to upholding the voting rights of fellow Missourians with disabilities.

Call members of the Elections Committee and tell them to vote “Do Pass” on HB1901.  Share your experience with voting accessibility to help them understand the importance of accessible elections at the State and local levels and not just Federal elections.