Physically Disabled Voters


Registration

If you have a physical disability that prevents you from registering to vote at public locations, you may arrange for voter registration at your residence or you may download a form to register by mail at www.elections.il.gov.

 Absentee Voting by Mail

If you have a physical disability you may vote either in person at the County Clerk’s office, or by mail.  To vote by mail, print out the Absentee Form  or call our office to have one mailed to you.  Complete the form and mail it to our office.  A ballot and instructions will be sent to you.

You may obtain a special card which provides automatic mailing of an absentee ballot application to you for every election for a five-year period.  Contact your County Clerk for details at (217) 554-1911.

AutoMark Voting Machines

The AutoMark is a ballot-marking device specifically designed for voters with disabilities.  Its purpose is to facilitate independence and full participation in the voting process.

There are several ways to interact with the AutoMark:

·        Directly on the Touch Screen

·        The Keypad (includes Braille)

·        A Sip-N-Puff personal ADA device

Print size, volume, and tempo are all adjustable.

Voters who are blind or have low vision listen through earphones to a clear electronic voice that reads off the choices.  The voter makes choices via a keypad.  People who have difficulty writing are often able to use this machine because it actually marks the ballot for the voter.

AutoMark reviews the ballot, advises the voter of over-votes or under-votes, and finally marks the ballot with the voter’s selections.  The ballot is then inserted into the Accu-Vote infrared scanner, and counted.