High-Tech Voting Machines To Be Available To The Disabled

Saturday, July 08, 2006
Election administrator Bud Knowles and Cathi Smothers of Diebold check out new voting machines for use by those with disabilities. Click to enlarge.
Election administrator Bud Knowles and Cathi Smothers of Diebold check out new voting machines for use by those with disabilities. Click to enlarge.
- photo by John Wilson

New high-tech voting machines have arrived at the Hamilton County election office. But Administrator Bud Knowles said they are only available for use by the disabled.

The machines are especially configured to help those with vision and hearing disabilities.

Mr. Knowles said those in wheelchairs will also be able to use the machines.

They are equipped with headphones, and the disabled voter is given specific voting directions.

Mr. Knowles said the county ordered 96 of the machines from the Diebold firm.

The county has 126 precincts, and some precincts that are in combined locations will share a machine.

Mr. Knowles said the machines cost $366,000. The entire cost was covered by the federal government.

Precinct officers will be trained in operation of the new machines beginning Monday.


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