Voting Blind – Promises, Challenges and Opportunities of the Voting Experience for Citizens who are Blind or Visually Impaired

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires accessible voting systems for citizens with disabilities, that provide the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, that other voters receive. While accessible voting has made many strides over the past eighteen years, it is not without its challenges. This webinar will discuss the voting challenges, whether in person at a polling station or by absentee ballot, for the Citizen who is blind or visually impaired. Join TCS Access for a lively and informative moderated discussion with two leading experts on the issue of accessible voting: Jim Dickson, former Vice President for Organizing and Civic Engagement of American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Clark Rachfal, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs. The discussion will be moderated by Harris Rosensweig, TCS Access Director, Accessibility with 30 years of experience working with persons who are blind around digital accessibility. The conversation will focus on: • The challenges Covid 19 has made to elections and the impact for persons who are blind • Various initiatives states are undertaking around accessible voting, especially around absentee ballots • Some commentary on the experience of our panelists in just held primaries in Virginia and Washington, DC • Challenges as we approach the November election and beyond