Many people with visual impairments or blindness find casting a vote at their local polling place to be a daunting task. Moreover, outdated technology and a lack of privacy can make the experience overwhelming and off-putting. Voting by absentee ballot is not a perfect solution either as it requires a blind or visually impaired voter to rely on another person for assistance with reading the ballot and marking their selection.
 
As a step toward ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can vote privately and without assistance, I am offering legislation which will require the Department of State to provide special absentee ballots printed in braille to qualified voters who submit a written request for a special ballot. Braille absentee ballots will enable visually impaired and blind voters to cast their vote by themselves and in the privacy of their own home.
 
Democracy works best when citizens participate, and voting must be accessible for all people.  Please join me in supporting this important legislation which will remove an unnecessary barrier to independent participation in our elections.
 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0527: P.L.1333, No.320