Madison Reporter

The City Clerk’s Office is informing voters about accessible options for the August 13 Partisan Primary.

“In August and in November it’s important for all residents to feel confident that their voices are heard at the polls,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “Our Clerk’s staff and volunteers work diligently with voters with disabilities to make casting their ballot as easy as possible.”

All polling places must be accessible. Poll workers use an accessibility checklist to identify and address barriers on election morning. The City of Madison's process for opening the polls includes a poll worker review of accessibility procedures.

Voters unable to enter the polls due to health, mobility issues, or a disability may vote curbside. They can have someone inform poll workers or call the Clerk’s Office at (608) 266-4601. Two poll workers will bring the necessary materials to the voter at the curb, who will then mark their ballot before it is returned and inserted into the tabulator by poll workers.

For those unable to state their name and address, someone else may do so on their behalf. Voters unable to sign the poll book due to a disability are exempt from this requirement. Each polling place provides magnifying sheets, signature guides, and extra seating if needed.

Every polling place is equipped with an ExpressVote ballot marking device, which allows selections via touchscreen or Braille keypad. It offers large print, high contrast, headphones, and compatibility with sip & puff devices. Voters can verify their selections before printing their ballot card, which can also be rechecked using the ExpressVote machine.

Voters may choose someone to assist them in marking their ballot; however, this person cannot be an employer or labor union representative. The assistant does not need to be eligible to vote but must provide their name and address and sign the ballot.

The City Clerk’s Office aims for each eligible voter to cast a ballot that will be counted.