The most important right citizens have is the right to vote, and it's essential that all people have an equal opportunity to exercise that right.
Equal access for people with disabilities includes being able to vote independently and in private.
Within Albany County, the majority of polling places are schools and government-owned buildings. They meet accessibility guidelines, however the rooms used for voting may not be close to the accessible entrances or restrooms.
A few years ago, representatives from Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. helped Albany County inspect and assess all of the County's polling places. Based on its recommendations, the County has purchased two portable ramps and removed some barriers from the polling places.
This year, the County is taking additional steps to improve accessibility. As a result, you will notice some changes when you go to the polls for the 2006 elections. Probably the most visible modification will be the new election equipment, thanks to funding authorized by the 2002 Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
Each precinct or polling place will now be equipped with:
An Election Systems & Software (ES&S) AutoMARK which is a touch-screen machine that marks a voter's choices on a ballot. It will not actually record votes; it will simply mark the ballots.
A new ES&S optical scan ballot-counter that will record the votes.
Increasing the convenience and accessibility of polling places
Albany County wants to make the voting experience as pleasant as possible for everyone, and voters may choose from a variety of options to make the process easier.
All polling places will have trained election judges who can provide special assistance to voters. This includes giving personalized instructions on how to operate an AutoMARK ballot marker.
Voters may bring a friend or family member with them to the polls for help or they may ask election judges to help them.
Voters who are blind or have low vision will be offered assistance in getting around inside the polling place. A judge can also supply a signature guide to help a voter sign the Voter Log.
People with mobility impairments may go to the head of voter lines if they wish.
Absentee ballots are available to registered voters by calling the Elections Office at 721-2546. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot for the Primary Election will be August 21, 2006, while the deadline for requesting absentee ballots for the General Election will be November 6, 2006.