I learned only recently that the state of Maine implemented a new online voting system for persons with disabilities. How awesome is that?

I can’t hold a marker, so I’ve been having Kim help me with my ballots for the past few years. We have no secrets, so that’s not the issue. It just feels good to be able to vote independently, using the desktop computer that I sit in front of almost all day, every day. I have it configured so I can operate almost any program with my voice, and this was no exception.

So, yeah, I voted using my voice.

After filling out an online application, I was given access to a special ballot that could be filled out on my computer. Once I completed my ballot, I emailed it to a secure address, where I can track its progress and be certain my vote is counted. I have complete confidence in this system.

After I voted, I received a note from the deputy Secretary of State indicating that I was one of the first voters to use the accessible online ballot. Very cool.

If you live in the state of Maine, and you’re interested in accessible voting, click here.

For the press release, announcing the program, click here, or read below:

Secretary Dunlap launches accessible absentee ballot option for voters with print disabilities

10/1/2020

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is announcing the launch of a new online service that will provide an accessible absentee ballot option for qualified voters with disabilities.

The Accessible Absentee Ballot option will become available this Friday, Oct. 2, as one of the options on the online absentee ballot request page for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.

The Department of the Secretary of State developed this new service in coordination with Maine’s online service provider, InforME, with input from advocates at Disability Rights Maine. It is intended for voters with print disabilities, which may include vision impairment or blindness, physical dexterity limitations, learning disabilities or cognitive impairment, all of which prevent the individual from independently marking a paper ballot.

“We have been encouraging people to consider absentee voting if they are concerned about going to a polling place during this pandemic,” said Secretary Dunlap, “and for voters with disabilities who wanted to vote absentee, only the mailed paper ballot was available – until now. This new service represents a significant milestone in our administration of elections in Maine, making independent absentee voting available to all Maine citizens.”

“We are pleased that the Secretary of State’s Office has taken steps to ensure that people with print disabilities will be able to vote privately, independently, and safely from their home for the November 3 general election,” said Kristin Aiello, lead counsel for Disability Rights Maine.

In addition to the accessible absentee ballot, the State provides the Accessible Voting System ballot-marking device at every polling place on Election Day, which allows any voter to use a touchscreen or controller pad/audio to independently mark their ballot.