About 40% of eligible voters in Colorado have turned their ballots in so far. During this election season, steps are being taken to ensure disabled voters feel a sense of privacy and independence at the polls.
Accessible voting machines and equipment are helping those with disabilities vote. The machines will be available at voting centers across Colorado, making it easier for people to vote.
“We’ve had this equipment since 2015, that was when we partnered with the elections vendor,” said Jimmy Flanagan, the elections operations manager for the Denver Elections Division.
Though accessible voting machines are not necessarily new and have been around for years, they are not always user-friendly. Many people also are not aware of the equipment, according to Craig Towler with the Center for People with Disabilities.
Flanagan says the city began to purchase bigger screens last year, adding one major difference this year is some of the equipment.