Noblesville student uses audio device to cast first ballot

Noblesville High School senior Matthias Vescelus voted independently on Saturday at a Hamilton County Vote Center. Vescelus, who is blind, used a device called DoubleTalk to complete the process. The tool connects to the voting machine and reads the ballot aloud through headphones.

The assistive technology allows voters with visual impairments to navigate their ballot, make selections, and cast votes without help from another person. Vescelus said he preferred this method to voting absentee because he could do it himself. He noted that while it took a moment to understand the system, the process became straightforward once he got the hang of it.

Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams stated that the goal is to ensure no one feels a disability prevents them from participating in an election. She said all Hamilton County voting machines can be equipped with the DoubleTalk hardware. The machines also offer a zoom feature for voters who need larger print.

For voters with mobility challenges, the voting panel can be lowered to a seated position. This adjustment allows voters to use the equipment more comfortably. Williams asked voters who need assistance to ask poll workers, who are trained to help every voter feel comfortable and confident at the polls.

Residents with disabilities also have options for casting absentee ballots. Voters who can personally mark their ballot and sign the required envelope may request an absentee ballot by mail. Those with qualifying print disabilities can request an electronic ballot delivered by email. This electronic format can be read using assistive technology.

Voters who cannot independently mark their ballot or sign the absentee ballot security envelope may request assistance from a bipartisan absentee voter board. This board can travel to the voter's location to assist with the voting process. Voters with questions about accessible equipment or absentee voting can contact the Hamilton County Elections Office or visit the county website for more information.