Ballot marking devices (BMD) and electronically-assisted ballot markers (EBM) are devices used to assist voters in filling out a ballot.
BMDs and EBMs do not receive the same level of scrutiny as ballot boxes, tabulators, or voting machines because they do not store or tabulate votes. They only assist a voter in marking a ballot.
Many BMDs include accessibility features such as screen readers or magnification that allow a voter to view or hear the ballot more easily.
Any voter may request to use a ballot marking device; no proof of the need for assistance or signed affidavit is required.
Before the polls open, the poll watcher observes the Election Judge checking the ballot marking device.
Usually this check is simply to confirm that the device is powered on and functioning.
Once the ballot marking device is functioning, the poll watcher can also check that the screen is readable by the voter. Screens placed near windows or bright lighting may become difficult to read because of glare or reflections.
(Be sure to check at sitting level. The poll watcher may miss the glare a voter sees if the screen is examined while standing.)
What the Poll Watcher Is Looking For.
If the ballot marking device has a screen, the screen should not be readable by others in the room.
The screen should be positioned so that other voters, poll watchers, or Election Judges cannot view the ballot. Privacy shields, if provided, should be installed and the screen angled toward the voter.
Sometimes there is a conflict between making the device accessible and preventing the screen from being visible to others in the Polling Room.
This situation should have been addressed by the Election Authority when selecting the Polling Place.
Every voter has the right to both accessibility and privacy while voting.
If this cannot be resolved, challenge the condition and contact the sponsoring poll watcher team.
What the Poll Watcher Is Looking For.