Guest Blog: Texas-bred Election System Allows Private, Independent Voting for All
Eddie Perez
Hart InterCivic
February 16, 2016
When Travis County voters cast their ballots in the March 1 Presidential Primary election, they’ll use a voting system where access is not “separate but equal.” It is equal, period.
Casting a private ballot is one of democracy’s most basic rights, and making sure all voters have that right has long been a priority for us at Austin-based Hart InterCivic. Hart’s voting solutions, recognized by numerous advocacy groups, are in use in more than 550 jurisdictions across the U.S. Among these jurisdictions is Travis County, where citizens have cast their votes using a Hart system since 2002. An additional 107 Texas counties use the system as well.
We encourage all our fellow Texans to get out and vote – your voice matters! Accessibility features that may make your voting experience easier include:
- Tactile navigation. Distinctively shaped tactile buttons make it easy to identify the correct control. The SELECT Wheel provides a perceptible click as you scroll through each race.
- Audio ballots. You can use headphones to hear the ballot read aloud and to hear audible instructions and confirmation of each vote. The audio is recorded in both English and Spanish, in a natural, human-recorded voice (not synthesized).
- Adaptive device compatibility. You can use adaptive devices such as “sip-and-puff” and others with the voting equipment.
- Curbside voting. Voters with disabilities can request "curbside voting," and a poll worker will bring a voting unit to your vehicle.
Hart’s commitment to accessible voting is ongoing, and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities has been a trusted partner, providing feedback and communication for improvements.
As Hart developed our second-generation voting system, Verity® Voting, input from CTD and other accessibility advocates informed improvements such as beveled tactile edges, dishing for all buttons, and a simplified design. CTD was instrumental as Verity underwent testing for federal certification, convening voters with disabilities to evaluate enhanced features, providing a venue, and helping facilitate this important process.
Voters with disabilities across the U.S. will benefit from participants’ thoughtful input. We’re proud to partner with CTD as we work to advance democracy for all voters.
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About Eddie:
Director of Product Management for Hart InterCivic, Eddie Perez is passionate about missions and ideas that make our collective lives more effective and meaningful. For the past decade, he’s been lucky enough to be part of the unfolding story of how technology can support and invigorate democracy.
About Hart InterCivic
Austin-based Hart InterCivic is a full service election solutions innovator, partnering with state and local governments to deliver secure, accurate and reliable elections. Working side by side with election professionals for more than 100 years, the company’s mission is to help advance democracy one election at a time. This mission fuels Hart’s passionate customer focus and continuous drive for innovation.
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