Comment by Deb Markowitz (State Election Official)

I am greatly concerned that the VVSG requires voting systems to have a video component in order to be considered accessible to people with disabilities. In Vermont we use a telephone voting system. We provide the paper ballot in alternative formats to go along with the telephone system when requested to make the system accessible to people with a variety of disabilities. It seems to me that the video requirement goes too far because what is really needed is a visual aid along with the auditory aid, whether it is on paper or on a screen. The specific language that requires a video component is particularly problematic since it would unnecessarily prevent the development and deployment of innovative solutions to meet the needs of voters with disabilities.