Chelan County Elections

Accessible Voting FAQ

Download PDF Version

Yes. Plain language, step-by-step instructions on the scanning machine and the ballot marking device touchscreens walk the voter through the entire voting process. The accessible ballot marking device includes ADA-compliant accessibility features such as tactile buttons, audio ballots, and compatibility with common adaptive devices. The scanning machine provides on-screen instructions and controls for voters whose hand-marked ballots contain errors.

Yes. Someone will be there to help you, but the system is designed to be easy for you to use without assistance. If your eyesight is poor or you have difficulty reading the ballot for some other reason, headphones are available so the entire ballot, including your selections, can be read to you. If you cannot make your selections by using the touchscreen, you can use the device’s accessibility features, such as a rotary wheel and button or a standard two-button device, such as a “sip and puff.” In addition, a Help button is on every screen.

Before any vote is cast, a testing process ensures the machines are working correctly. This process, known as logic and accuracy testing, enables election officials to be sure votes are counted as they are cast.  Additionally, this new system has been certified to the most current standards at both the federal and state levels.

Extensive “logic and accuracy” testing is performed before each election to ensure that the system is recording votes correctly. Additionally, the new system is a paper-based system, as mandated by law.  Every voter uses the scanning machine to cast a paper ballot, regardless of whether the voter hand-marks the ballot or prints it from the ballot marking device. That original paper ballot is retained throughout the process and remains the official record of the vote.  When voting using the ballot marking device, a ballot review screen appears before you print your ballot. This screen lists all the choices you have made and lets you know if you missed voting in any race. From this screen, you can change selections you have made, if you wish.

There is no way for the system to connect your vote to you. The process of voting is completely removed from the process of checking in and being qualified to vote.  When you vote, no identifying information is connected with your paper ballot.

Your vote is not officially cast until after you insert your ballot into the scanning machine and see the “Your vote has been recorded” screen. At that point, it is no longer possible for you to make any changes. However, if you change your mind before you scan your ballot, you can ask a poll worker to “spoil” the ballot and issue you either a new ballot or a new access code.

Then you don’t have to. It is your decision and right to choose not to vote in any race. If you are hand-marking the ballot, simply skip the contest(s) you do not wish to vote in.  If you are using the ballot marking device, just touch the Next button on the touchscreen to move forward past any race you want to skip.

If you are hand-marking your ballot and mark more than the permitted number of votes in a race, the scanning machine returns your ballot, and the touchscreen displays a message indicating any contests that have too many choices marked. If this happens, you may request a new ballot to mark or touch “Cast the ballot as is,” which invalidates the contest(s) in question. If you are using the ballot marking device, the system prevents you from selecting more than the permitted number of candidates in a race. The touchscreen displays an error message, and you may correct the mistake.

After you insert the ballot into the scanning machine and the ballot is scanned, you will see the “Your vote has been recorded” screen, and an audible chime sounds. This lets you know your vote has been cast and counted.

No, your vote cannot be lost once you have scanned the ballot with the scanning machine and you see the “Your vote has been recorded” screen. Your vote is stored in three separate places, and all data is protected and cannot be lost in the unlikely event that the system fails. In addition, both the voting device and the scanning machine have built-in power back-up systems, so they will still function even if the main power supply fails.

The system provides City election officials with images of every vote that was cast on each voting device. Election officials can print these cast vote record images to provide a manual means of recounting votes and ensuring that results are accurate. Officials can also conduct an electronic recount.

Yes.  The new system is a paper-based system, as mandated by law.  Every voter uses the scanning machine to cast a paper ballot, regardless of whether the voter hand-marks the ballot or prints it from the ballot marking device. That original paper ballot is retained throughout the process and remains the official record of the vote.

Posted: 09/22/2016 12:35 PM
Last Updated: 04/11/2018 03:20 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Jan 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - January 8, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St.
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1