Thank you for the opportunity to comment on WINVote Certification.

I have voted in Virginia since moving to the commonwealth in 1980.

In my mid-30s, my eyesight declined to the level that I could no longer read the screens in the voting booth.

I was unable to vote independently, much to my frustration.

Over time technology was developed, eventually allowing me to vote independently in Arlington County, using the touch screen machine.

With only one exception, I have had no problems.

The one exception occurred in 2008 and I was able to replicate the problem at a later date before members of the Arlington election Board.

However, I was told that this error would not likely be resolved and to my knowledge did not occur again.

Whatever decision is made by the Virginia board of Elections requiring Arlington and other jurisdictions to purchase new voting equipment, the board should require that:

1. The voting equipment be certified as accessible to blind and low vision voters.

2.  Workers at the polls on election or primary day be trained on the accessibility functions of the machines.

Experience by me and other blind and low vision voters has shown that, even with the best of intentions, workers are sometimes unaware of the existence of accessibility features of voting machines, or are unaware of how the machines must be set for blind and low vision voters to have independent access to the machines.

Although I am not speaking for the Old dominion council of the Blind and visually Impaired, the Virginia affiliate of the American council of the Blind, I have been a long time member and our members have worked with local election boards, especially in the Northern Virginia area, on issues related to accessible features of voting equipment.

Our Northern Virginia chapter has been pleased to have representatives from the Fairfax and Arlington boards speak at past meetings and demonstrate equipment.

In October, 2014, representatives of the Fairfax county election Board demonstrated the voting machine manufactured by ES&S, and allowed attendees the opportunity to practice using the machines.

This was especially helpful to those who voted in Fairfax County in November.   Members reported successfully voting, independently.  Some voted for the first time with no assistance.

It is a feeling that I can't express in words, but as someone who once could vote independently, then could not, I know first-hand how wonderful it feels when existing technology is properly implemented to improve lives.

While I do not endorse this specific machine, or any specific machine, I do highlight the need for the Virginia Board of Elections to mandate that all local election boards in the Commonwealth be required TO purchase voting equipment THAT contains accessibility features guaranteeing blind and low vision voters their right to vote independently.

I also offer to volunteer to test equipment being considered.

Thank you.

-Paul

Paul D’Addario

Arlington, VA