Category: For Improving Accessibility for Voters with Disabilities
Accessible Electronic Ballot
In January 2020, the West Virginia state legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 94, aimed at helping voters who are physically unable to mark a paper ballot in person and without assistance. The bill allows these voters to receive, mark, and return an absentee ballot by mail or electronically through a safe, accessible, and secure portal. The Secretary of State’s Office worked with Disability Rights of West Virginia to help educate the public on the new option, distributing flyers and promoting the information online. As a result of these efforts, nearly 1,300 UOCAVA voters and 271 voters with a qualifying disability were able to vote in the 2020 General Election using an accessible electronic ballot.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) annual Clearinghouse Awards, also known as the “Clearie” Awards, promote best practices in elections and celebrate the accomplishments of election officials across the United States.
