PORT TOWNSEND — Every county in the state is required to supply a machine that accommodates accessible voting, but they are barely used on the North Olympic Peninsula.
“We are lucky to get one voter coming in to use the machines during a particular election,” Betty Johnson, Jefferson County elections supervisor, said Friday.
Clallam County Auditor Shoona Riggs added that she “can’t remember” the last time someone came into the courthouse to use the specially configured machine.
The machines allow people with disabilities — such as those affecting sight, hearing and mobility — to cast a constitutionally-protected private vote.
The machines can take input from special devices such as foot pedals and breath controllers that voters bring with them.
They are available at the auditor’s offices at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles and the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.
Needed service
Even with a low or nonexistent turnout the machines provide a needed service, Johnson said.
“I don’t know how many people are out there who have a need for this but even if it is just one person, it is worthwhile,” she said.
“It’s like doing a voter drive and handing out 100 registration forms and only one gets returned. You got that one person.”
Both Riggs and Johnson said that a better path for those with disabilities is to fill out their ballot at home with the assistance of a friend or family member since it can save them a long, difficult trip to the courthouse.
“It’s a lot easier if you have someone in your household to help you, but in that situation you are not voting independently,” Johnson said.
“It’s important for everyone to cast a secure ballot.”
Riggs said the Clallam County machine was installed in 2005 while Jefferson County’s machine has been in operation since 2007.
“It got used a few times at first but that tapered off,” Riggs said.
“Most people who would have used it would rather vote at home.”
Riggs said the machine doesn’t cost much to operate. The county owns it outright and can often get maintenance for free.
The biggest expense is in staff time, she said, as the machine requires a few hours of programming and accuracy testing prior to each election.
Marking ballots
The machines are sophisticated ballot markers. The ballot is inserted with controls used to place dark marks in the preferred spot.
If a voter arrives without a ballot, a duplicate can be issued on the spot.
The screen also can be darkened for privacy.
While people with disabilities will be coached upon their arrival, they need not call ahead, Johnson said.
“No reservations are needed,” she said.
“If someone comes in we are ready.”
For more information, phone 360-417-2217 in Clallam County and 360-385-9117 in Jefferson County.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
