Accessible Voting Equipment to Enable Voting Rights of People with Disabilities

Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin has amended Chapter 51.00 and added to 950 CMR 51.02 (6) to enable individuals with disabilities to use accessible voting equipment, funded by the HAVA, to be used in all state elections, not just federal elections. 

The Council fully supports Secretary Galvin's efforts to ensure that all individuals be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote.  Read our public comment here. 

Here is a look at the amendments and changes courtesy of the Massachusetts Independent Living Alert Network:

Chapter 51.00: Polling Place Accessibility for Elderly and Handicapped Voters

In 950 CMR ' 51.01, replace the entire section with the following:

950 CMR ' 51.00 implements the federal Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, 42 USC '' 1973ee to 1973ee-6 (the "Act"), and Amended Article 114 of the Massachusetts Constitution and applies to all Massachusetts elections. The purpose of 42 USC 42 USC '' 1973ee to 1973ee-6, Amended Article 114 of the Massachusetts Constitution and 950 CMR ' 51.00 is to promote the fundamental right to vote by improving access for handicapped and elderly individuals to polling places and the voting process.

In 950 CMR 51.02(6), add the following new section as (a) and re-designate the remaining sections accordingly:

(a) For every state, federal, municipal election, preliminary or primary, either regular or special, each polling place shall have at least one accessible voting unit that is usable by people with disabilities. Any accessible voting unit must first be approved for use by the state secretary. Accessible voting units shall be located within a polling place so as to be readily available for use by voters during the voting hours.