VotRite and new systems for accessible voting

In the United States, public confidence in the electoral process has been severely tested by years of political polarisation, misinformation and concerns about voting security. Traditional voting systems have often overlooked accessibility needs, creating barriers that can discourage or even prevent participation. However, VotRite (https://votrite.com/), a developer of electronic voting machines (EVMs), has launched a pilot programme aimed at improving accessibility, transparency and usability. 

The initiative is designed to address the long-standing challenges faced by voters who encounter physical, sensory or technological barriers when trying to vote. "For many Americans, the voting process has become incredibly frustrating. They wait in line for hours, only to risk their vote not being counted or, worse, being tampered with," says Angelica Kapsis, President of VotRite. 'This same risk also affects mail-in ballots. For those with vision impairments or other disabilities, the process is even more challenging, with small print and a lack of language options causing many to abandon their attempts to make their voices heard."

According to research by the U.S. Vote Foundation, approximately 15.3 million citizens with disabilities did not vote in 2022. VotRite's pilot programme, which aims to expand nationwide, incorporates modern accessibility standards such as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The programme also uses secure, mobile-based tools designed to allow participants to interact with training and voting services independently and privately. Data is hosted on AWS cloud infrastructure, which the company emphasises is designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access. 

The programme has three main goals: improving access to technology and technological skills; strengthening independent living skills; and improving the coordination of community resources.

'Restoring hope and trust in the voting process will take time, and a key aspect is ensuring that people can submit their ballots without the complications of the current methods,' says Kapsis.