Elections Canada is actively searching for a proficient partner with the technical prowess to create a groundbreaking smartphone application. This app’s primary objective is to enable blind and visually impaired voters to independently verify their ballot selections.
In their tender proposal, Elections Canada outlines their requirement for a skilled entity capable of not only designing and constructing the application but also ensuring its delivery and maintenance. This mobile application aims to grant visually impaired and blind citizens the invaluable ability to confirm the markings on their ballots.
Nathalie de Montigny, a spokesperson for Elections Canada, emphasized that the current challenge lies in enabling independent verification of marked ballots for those with visual impairments. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Elections Canada’s recently launched “Accessibility Plan,” which sets the ambitious goal of eliminating voting barriers for all Canadians by 2040, with testing of this technology slated for 2024.
While there are existing accommodations in place for blind and visually impaired voters, such as large-print and braille candidate lists, tactile and braille voting templates, magnifiers, and modified voting screens, the proposed app presents a promising new solution.
In instances where these existing options fall short, voters have the option to bring a support person—a family member, friend, or personal support worker—to assist with the voting process. To protect the secrecy of the vote, the support person must make a solemn declaration, and an election worker is always on hand to provide assistance, with a second election worker serving as a witness.
One pressing question remains: Can the proposed app be developed in time for the next federal election? While the NDP has pledged to support the Liberal government in confidence votes until the scheduled fall 2025 election, the uncertainty of a minority government raises the possibility of an earlier election call.
Source: Elections Canada