Accessibility and the Voting Process

In Montana there are several methods people with disabilities can vote an accessible, private ballot. These methods include the ability for individuals to request an electronic absentee ballot, have a designated agent assist them with the voting process, or use an accessible AutoMARK voting machine at the polls.

The AutoMARK is a ballot-marking system designed to provide privacy and accessibility to voters who are blind, vision-impaired, or have a disability or condition that would make it difficult or impossible to mark a ballot by hand. The technology also provides language assistance to voters who are more comfortable speaking a different language or who need help to better understand written instructions.

Individuals with a disability can also request to have a ballot sent to them electronically. This method of voting allows individuals to use their own personal computers, which are set up to meet their specific needs, to mark their ballots and then mail the ballot back to their county elections office. Individuals with a disability can request an electronic ballot by completing and submitting an Application for Electronic Absentee Ballot form on the Electronic Ballot Request System or ERBS at https://sos.mt.gov/elections/disabilities.

A voter who is unable, due to disability, to provide a signature may also apply to the election administrator to have another person designated as an agent for the purposes of providing a signature or identifying mark required and for delivering the voter’s absentee ballot application to the county election administrator, and for providing any other assistance to the voter throughout the registration and voting process. Individuals with a disability can request an electronic ballot by completing and submitting an Application for Designation of Agent by an Individual with a Disability form on the Electronic Ballot Request System or ERBS at https://sos.mt.gov/elections/disabilities.