Accessible Voting Information

Vote Independently

In Franklin County, all individuals are able to enjoy the privilege of a private vote. Accessible voting devices create a simple voting experience for people of all ages, including those with:

Blindness or Low Vision
Deafness or Hard of Hearing
Physical Disabilities
Wheelchair Users & Limited Mobility

What is an Electronic Voting Device?

An Electronic Voting Device is designed to allow all voters to vote independently.

This device has all ballot races and measures for each voter’s precinct.
The large screens can increase the size of the text for the visually impaired.
Headphones are available for listening to instructions, candidate names and ballot measures. A key pad allows the voter to select and review his/her choices and to cast the ballot independently and in secret.

How do I vote on an electronic voting device?

You must be registered to vote in Franklin County at least 30 days prior to the election.
Election workers will verify your voter registration name, current address, identification, and ask you to sign a voter log.
Your voter record will be checked to ensure you have not already returned your mail ballot.
You will be given a ballot card to place in the Electronic Voting Device.
The voting device will allow you to vote your choices:

by touching specified areas of the screen next to the candidate name or ballot measure, or

You may wish to listen to the ballot choices through headphones and use a key pad to select the name of the candidates or measures for which you wish to vote.

You will be able to change your choices and review your ballot selections prior to casting the final ballot.

Can I vote my mail ballot instead of using the Electronic Voting Device?

Yes, the choice is yours to use your mail ballot or vote an electronic ballot.
A ballot box will be available for you to deposit your mail ballot.

Is my vote safe?

Yes, all voting devices are tested at federal, state and county levels to ensure they accurately record and report the choices made by the voter.
Washington State also requires Electronic Voting Devices to produce a paper trail (similar to a paper ballot) that the voter can use to verify his or her vote.
This paper record is audited after the election and compared with the electronic results.
The Electronic Voting Device’s paper record is used for manual recounts if the contest is close.