When Noblesville High School senior Matthias Vescelus cast his first ballot this year, he did so using assistive technology.
Vescelus, who is blind, used a device called DoubleTalk that connects to the voting machine and reads the ballot aloud through headphones. The technology allows voters with visual impairments to navigate their ballot, make selections and cast their votes without assistance from another person.
“I preferred this over voting absentee because I could do it myself,” Vescelus stated. “It took me a second to figure out the system, but once I figured it out, it was super easy.”
All Hamilton County voting machines can be equipped with the DoubleTalk hardware. The machines also offer a zoom feature for voters who need larger print. For those with mobility challenges, the voting panel can be lowered to a seated position, allowing voters to use the equipment more comfortably.
“Our goal is to make sure no one feels that a disability prevents them from participating in an election,” Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams stated. “If you arrive at a vote center and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our poll workers are trained to help make every voter feel...