Accessible Voting System
The ExpressVote was introduced in 2022 in Rhode Island to assist all voters including those who cannot make a ballot on their own. Every polling place in the country is required by Federal Law (HAVA) to have a device to assist voters in marking their ballot if they would be able to do so independently otherwise.
Basic instructions for using the ExpressVote:
The ExpressVote features include:
- LCD Touch Screen;
- Rubber-textured directional hardware arrows and buttons with Braille text;
- Audio jack with headphones for audio ballot;
- ADA dual switch access (DSA) port;
- High contrast mode;
- Screen privacy mode.
The ExpressVote is available for use by all voters at the polling place. Any voter who needs assistance with the ExpressVote should request assistance from the Warden/Moderator.
If the ExpressVote is unavailable due to technical difficulties, the voter may wait for the device to be repaired or request assistance from a bipartisan pair of Supervisors or a person of his/her choice.
Basic instructions for using the ExpressVote:
- Slowly insert the ballot into the reader slot;
- An instruction screen will appear onscreen and will be played through the headphones;
- Press the Right Arrow onscreen or the right hardware arrow to view choices on the ballot;
- Make selections using either the touch screen or hardware arrows;
- Continue to press the Right Arrow onscreen or right hardware key to move through the ballot;
- At the summary screen, review and make any changes by selecting the appropriate race or question;
- Press the Right Arrow on screen or hardware pad to move to the Mark Ballot screen;
- Press the Mark Ballot button onscreen or press the Select center hardware button;
- The ExpressVote will mark the ballot and return it to the voter;
- The voter may reinsert the ballot to confirm the selections onscreen and through the headphones;
- The voter must insert the ballot into the precinct's scanner (DS200) to be counted.
Any voter who is denied use of the Expressvote to vote should file a complaint immediately with the Board of Elections at (401) 222-2345 or via e-mail.