NYS Board of Elections releases new system to help absentee voters with vision challenges

ALBANY, N.Y. —  The New York State Board of Elections has released a new system to help voters fill out an absentee ballot if they have vision challenges.

The Electronic Accessible Ballot Delivery System allows voters to view their ballots on their phones, where they can increase the font size, adjust the color contrast, or use screen reader technology to hear the voting options.

You can request a digitally accessible ballot on the state’s website.

Once the voter has completed their application, they will receive an email with instructions on how to retrieve their ballot digitally through the new system. After the voter completes their ballot, it can be printed and returned.

The company Enhanced Voting created the new system. Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky, Co-Executive Director of the New York State Board of Elections, said the new digital ballots improve voting equity.

“The Board’s new Accessible Ballot Delivery System was designed with ample input from the Disability Community and Enhanced Voting,” Stavisky said. “The final product is an easy-to-use, simple platform with stringent security standards to ensure all voters will have equitable access to a private vote.”

Here are some important deadlines to keep in mind before the November 9 general election:

• Friday, Oct. 14 is the deadline to register to vote in-person.
• Monday, Oct. 24 is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. If dropped off in person, the absentee ballot must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 8. If returned by mail, the ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 8 and received by Tuesday, November 15.
• Saturday, Oct. 29 is the first day you can vote early in person.