Universal voting
Secure equipment
that fits all voters.
Accessible voting for all
At Election Systems & Software (ES&S), we’re serious about accurately capturing the intent of every voter. We closely follow the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure voting on our machines provides a simple, private and inclusive voting experience.
The ES&S Universal Voting System family of products, including the ExpressVote®, ExpressVote® XL and AutoMARK® have received high praise for the inclusiveness they bring to the election process.
These voting machines can be configured in several ways to serve every voter as a fully compliant ADA voting solution during early voting and on Election Day. On an ES&S Universal Voting System, EVERYONE votes in the same private and independent manner.
ExpressVote®
ExpressVote® XL
AutoMARK®
Why ADA compliance?
Every voter counts and, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), more than 35 million Americans with disabilities are eligible to vote in the United States. The ADA helps ensure fairness in the voting process for people with disabilities.
ES&S is committed to helping jurisdictions navigate the ADA by answering the needs of all their constituents and monitoring developments from the U.S. Department of Justice and the EAC.
How we ensure accessibility
ES&S works with voters with disabilities as well as advocates and experts in the field of accessibility to test our equipment firsthand. This valuable feedback helps guide our product development teams and, in turn, ensures EVERY voter can exercise their constitutional right to vote. To protect voter privacy, the printed vote summary card does not specify whether assistive devices were used to conduct a voting session.
Tailored accessibility features
Developed using universal design principles and input from election officials and disability organizations, our universal voting systems include the following accessibility features:
- Seated- and standing-height configurations to serve both seated and standing voters
- Contrast and zoom settings that can be set using the touchscreen or assistive device for improved readability
- Option for an audio ballot, including in the voter’s language of choice
- Screen prompts, symbols and audio to help voters navigate the vote selection process
- Assistive technology connections and devices
- Option to blank the screen for privacy
- Ability to read back voters’ printed selections
The AutoMARK screen moves with the voter, no matter how they vote.
The ExpressVote touch screen contrast helps voters with visual disabilities see ballots clearly.
Voters can review their selections twice before tabulation — on the summary screen and on the printed ballot.
ADA peripherals
The ES&S Universal Voting System family of products provides all voters, regardless of ability, the option to navigate ballot selections independently using various ADA support peripherals, including:
Headphones
Audio-tactile keypad
with braille legends
Sip-and-puff device
Two-position rocker switch
Each device offers an intuitive vote selection process through screen prompts, symbols and optional audio. Any of these features can be used by any voter without poll worker assistance. Voters can also verify the printed paper record using the same accessible devices they used when marking the ballot.
The ExpressVote XL allows voters to compare their vote selections on the touch screen against their printed ballot side-by-side — a unique feature not found in other ballot marking devices.