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AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal

The AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal (VAT) is a break-through paper ballot-marking technology that allows voters with disabilities and other special needs to mark their ballot privately and independently. With an audio function and Braille-embossed key pads, similar to the Touch Screen, it allows people that are blind or partially sighted to listen to their choices through headphones. This function also allows the voter to adjust the speed and volume at which the ballot is read.

Voter Assist Terminal

The VAT also features: a Sip/Puff tube and a Rocker Paddle/Foot Switch that may be used by voters with limited motor function, or who are, unable to use the touch screen or touch pad. A zoom feature which enables voters to increase the font size on the viewing touch screen and the contrast may also be adjusted to help those with limited vision.


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AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal American Sign Language (ASL) Video

AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal Video Script

  • AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals help voters with disabilities mark their paper ballot on their own and in private.
  • The machine has:
    • a touch screen
    • a keypad with Braille embossed buttons
    • and comes with a sip/ puff tube, foot switch/rocker paddle and headphones which you can plug into the machine.
  • The keypad can be used to move "Up", "Down", "Forward", "Back", and to "Select".
  • The "Screen" button turns the screen on or off.
  • The "Repeat" button lets you hear instructions or your choices a second time.
  • The "Tempo" and "Volume" buttons let you control the speed and volume of the machine.
  • The foot switch/rocker paddle lets you control the machine by using your feet.
  • Everything is always on so you can move from the touch screen to the keypad to any of the assistive devices at any time.
  • You can vote for one Mayor, one Councillor and one School Board Trustee.
  • To start voting, insert your paper ballot.
  • Wait while the machine scans your ballot.
  • You will get voting instructions.
  • You can make the text on the touch screen bigger by selecting the "Zoom" button"" or increase the contrast on the screen by selecting the "High Contrast" button on the touch screen or by using any of the assistive devices.
  • At any time, you can select the "Back" button to go back to a previous screen.
  • From the instruction screen, select "Next" to get the names of candidates for Mayor.
  • If the list is very long, select the up and down arrows to review all the names one by one.
  • Select the name of the candidate of your choice and you will see it highlighted.
  • Select "Next" to go on.
  • You will now get the names of candidates for your ward Councillor.
  • Make your choice and select "Next" to go to the next screen.
  • You will now get the names of candidates for your ward Councillor.
  • Make your choice and select "Next" to go to the next screen.
  • Finally, you will get names of School Board Trustee candidates. Again make your choice, and select "Next" to go to the summary screen.
  • At this point, you can review your choices and make any changes you want by selecting what you want to change.
  • The machine will take you back to the appropriate list.
  • When you have finished, select "Next" to go back to the summary screen.
  • From the summary screen, select "Next" to go on to mark your ballot.
  • If you still want to make a change, select the "Back" button to do so.
  • If you are sure, select the "Mark Ballot" button.
  • The machine will now mark your ballot and return it.
  • If at any point, you decide not to continue using the machine, select "Exit" and the machine will return your ballot unmarked.
  • You can then choose to mark your ballot on your own or with the help of another person.
  • Take your marked ballot to the Tabulator Officer. You will have successfully voted once your ballot is accepted by the tabulator.

AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal audio description
This audio file is a technical description of the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal which will help identify the physical form and various features of the machine.

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