My
intent is not to shoot you down, but only to understand the reasoning being
the request. But if you want someone to open fire, here's a few bullets
for you.
- Even
if there were Braille marks on the voter card, how would a blind voter
know (unassisted) where to insert the card, or how to find the slot? If
your answer is to assist the blind voter on inserting his card, then
think about this. Perhaps someone
could insert the smooth smart card for the blind voter. Walk away.
Then come back when the voter is finished and remove the card. The blind
voter knows his ballot was cast because the "voices" on the headset told him
so. He doesn't have to handle the smart card to do that and his privacy
is not compromised because the poll worker would have to vacate the area until
called upon to return.
- If we
truly want unassisted voting by the blind, you'll have to train every
blind voter how to use the terminal and let them practice so they'll know how
to use it every year. Otherwise they'll have to be assisted each time
they use it.
- I've
often heard the R6 unit referred to as a "laptop ATM". Can a blind
person use an ATM? Can someone explain to me how that is possible?
I know that they can operate the keypad, but how do they know what selections
come up on the video display? I've never noticed an audio jack or a
Braille display on an ATM.
Ian
Just a thought.
Would Braille stamped on a Smart Card cause problems putting
the card into the receiver. Could have "This Side Up" or other
pertinent instructions. If it could not be stamped into the card, then
perhaps Braille ticker tape could be applied.
Go ahead, shoot me down.
Greg Forsythe Global Election Systems, Inc (416)
446-1383 office (416) 446-1425 fax (416) 464-3736 cell www.dieboldes.com
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