As Election Day approaches, millions of New Yorkers have already cast their ballot or are planning to vote on November 5.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated or discouraged trying to vote on a paper ballot that is too difficult to read, you are not alone. However, you can ease this stressful situation by using a device that has been at your polling center for years. Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs) are accessible machines that can enlarge your ballot’s font size or audibly read out every word you can listen to through headphones. These machines are touchscreens with optional buttons on the side, helping users vote for their candidates in every race on a particular ballot. The machines are easy to use and offer a secure and independent voting experience for anyone who is blind, visually impaired, or unable to read and mark a paper ballot on their own.
Dorothy Delayo, a poll worker for the NYC Board of Elections with over thirty years of experience, has been working diligently to inform NYC voters about many resources available to ensure their right to vote is never infringed. This past September, Delayo helped coordinate a special hands-on demonstration of BMDs at Lighthouse Guild — a nonprofit organization that offers services, programs, and a safe community for people who are blind and visually impaired. This unique opportunity allowed participants to learn about ballot marking devices and try them out with mock ballots, simulating the experience on Election Day.
Delayo, a volunteer with Lighthouse Guild for the past two years, worked closely with Lighthouse Guild staff and Ariel Merkel, a coordinator in the Americans with Disabilities Act Executive Office at the NYC Board of Elections, to provide information about accessible resources, and answer questions from NYC voters living with vision loss. Delayo is a staunch advocate for voters with disabilities and has essential tips to help individuals who need assistance when they vote:
Ask to use a Ballot Marking Device as soon as you arrive
There is at least one functioning BMD at every NYC polling site, and you have the right to ask to use it for any reason. As soon as you sign in, let the poll worker know that you would like vote using a ballot marking device. If you want to see how the machine works, you have the right to get assistance and must be aided by two poll workers, one from each party (Democrat and Republican).
If you are told that the Ballot Marking Devices are not working, ask to speak with the Poll Site Coordinator
Every poll center should have two BMDs available, and at least one must always be functional. Make sure you speak with the Poll Site Coordinator and let them know if the machine is not working properly. They are required to reach out to the Board of Elections and have a replacement device delivered as soon as possible.
Be assertive and know your rights
Do not be intimidated if your polling center appears crowded or hectic. You are your best advocate; tools are available to ensure you can cast your ballot, but it’s your responsibility to ask!
For more information about voting in NYC, and to learn more about accessible resources available, check out these links:
Information about accessibile voting
Information about Ballot Marking Devices
Accessible Voting: Know Your Rights! - Lighthouse Guild
About Jeremy:
Jeremy Morak is a Marketing Manager at Lighthouse Guild, a nonprofit organization that provides services and programs to help people who are blind and visually impaired attain their goals. Jeremy, who has been legally blind since birth, not only helps promote exceptional services for vision health, he also has been receiving services for years. Jeremy is currently the Vice Chair of the Lighthouse Guild Visionary Committee, where he also serves as the chair of the Advocacy and Awareness subcommittee. This group, comprised of young professionals, works with Lighthouse Guild to form initiatives and fundraisers to make a difference for people who are blind or low vision.
Q1. What is a ballot-marking device (BMD) and why is it important for accessible voting?
A1. A ballot-marking device is an electronic machine that helps voters cast a paper ballot in a private and independent way. It is important because it offers features such as audio instructions, tactile controls, large-screen displays, sip-and-puff interfaces and high contrast settings—making voting accessible for people with visual, mobility, cognitive or language-related disabilities.
Q2. What rights do voters have when it comes to BMDs?
A2. Voters have the right to request and use a BMD at polling places. They may ask for assistance to see a demonstration, choose from accessible interface options (audio, high contrast, braille keypad, etc.), and ensure that their vote is marked, reviewed and cast privately and independently. If the machine appears non-functional or unavailable, they can request oversight or a replacement.
Q3. What accessibility features should a BMD offer?
A3. Key features include: fully audio-enabled ballots, screen magnification and high contrast mode, tactile or braille keypads, sip-and-puff or other switch inputs, keyboard navigation, private review screens, voter-verified paper output and compatibility with assistive technologies. These features ensure all voters can participate securely and equally.
Q4. What common issues or barriers exist when using BMDs?
A4. Some problems include machines not being set up or tested, polling site staff lacking training, assistive-technology ports or heads-sets unavailable, privacy of the process compromised, devices locked in advanced modes without user choice, and lack of accessible signage or instructions for first-time users.
Q5. What can a voter do if they encounter a problem with a BMD at the polling place?
A5. The voter should speak to the poll site coordinator or election official, report that the BMD is broken or not accessible, ask for a working machine, request demonstration or assistance, or insist on alternative accessible voting options. They can also document the issue, seek a “curb-side” or alternative accessible ballot, and know they are entitled to vote privately and independently.
Q6. How does the use of BMDs support legal and policy requirements for accessible elections?
A6. Laws like the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state disability-rights statutes require polling places to provide accessible voting machines. The presence of BMDs ensures that voters with disabilities can mark, verify and cast their ballots independently and privately—fulfilling those obligations.
Q7. What should election officials and administrators do to ensure BMDs are fully accessible?
A7. Officials should test machines before and during voting, train poll workers on accessibility functions and how to assist voters, ensure assistive accessories are connected and functioning (headsets, switches), provide clear signage and instructions, offer priority access for voters with disabilities, and maintain a backup plan (or alternative machine) if devices fail.
