Hamilton County makes voting accessible for voters with disabilities

First-time voter shares his experience using assistive technology at the polls

When Noblesville High School senior Matthias Vescelus cast his first-ever ballot this past weekend, he did so independently, thanks to assistive technology available at every Hamilton County polling place.

Vescelus, who is blind, used a device called DoubleTalk that connects to the voting machine and reads the ballot aloud through headphones. The technology allows voters with visual impairments to navigate their ballot, make their selections, and cast their votes without assistance from another person.

Photo provided by Hamilton County Government

“I preferred this over voting absentee because I could do it myself,” Vescelus said. “It took me a second to figure out the system, but once I figured it out, it was super easy.”

All Hamilton County voting machines can be equipped with the DoubleTalk hardware. The machines also offer a zoom feature for voters who need larger print. For those with mobility challenges, the voting panel can be lowered to a seated position, allowing voters to use the equipment more comfortably.

“Our goal is to make sure no one feels that a disability prevents them from participating in an election,” Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams said. “If you arrive at a Vote Center and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our poll workers are trained to help make every voter feel comfortable and confident when they come to the polls.”

Voters with disabilities also have several options for casting an absentee ballot:

• Vote by Mail: Voters with disabilities may request an absentee ballot by mail if they can personally mark their ballot and sign the required envelope.
• Vote with Print Disability Ballot: Voters with qualifying print disabilities may request an electronic ballot delivered by email that can be read using assistive technology.
• Traveling Absentee Voter Board: Voters who cannot independently mark their ballot or sign the absentee ballot security envelope may request assistance from a bipartisan absentee voter board, which can travel to their location and assist them with voting.

Voters who have questions about accessible voting equipment, absentee voting, or requesting assistance are encouraged to contact the Hamilton County Elections Office or visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/220/Vote-Absentee.