Accessibility

1. Measurable characteristics that indicate the degree to which a system is available to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. The most common disabilities include those associated with vision, hearing and mobility, as well as cognitive disabilities.

Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Election Terminology Glossary - Draft, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), https://pages.nist.gov/ElectionGlossary/; Glossary of terms database, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, https://www.eac.gov/glossary/

2. The ability of a voting system to accommodate disabled voters. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires that a voting system used in elections for federal offices shall “(A) be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as for other voters; (B) satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (A) through the use of at least one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place; and (C) if purchased with funds made available under title II on or after January 1, 2007, meet the voting system standards for disability access (as outlined in this paragraph).” 42 U.S.C. §15481(a)(3).

Source: Electronic Voting Glossary, Michael I. Shamos, https://collaborate.nist.gov/voting/pub/Voting/Glossary/Shamos-Election-Glossary.pdf

3. Refers to the extent to which a site, facility, work environment, service, or program is easy to approach, enter, operate, participate in, and/or use safely and with dignity by a person with a disability. Election officials must ensure that all aspects of the election are fully accessible to all voters.

Source: Glossary - Introduction to Information Technology for Election Officials, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, https://www.eac.gov/assets/1/28/Glossary_IT-Terms_Managing_Election_Technology.pdf

4. The ease with which voters can exercise their right to vote.

Source: Independent Panel on Internet Voting British Columbia, https://elections.bc.ca/docs/recommendations-report.pdf