Session: State Capitol, Room 516 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2095 Fax: (907) 465-3810 Subscribe to Newsletter Weekly Report from Juneau Interim: 716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 520 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 269-0240 Fax: (907) 269-0242

Leman Bill Provides Voter Privacy for the Visually Impaired

(JUNEAU) - Sen. Loren Leman (R-Anchorage) introduced legislation today to improve voter privacy and security for the visually impaired.

"Technology exists that will allow visually impaired people to vote independently and privately," said Leman. "This is a step forward in getting them access to this technology."

Senate Bill 258, The Frank Haas Act, removes the requirement that ballots be printed on paper, and allows the Division of Elections to purchase electronic, paperless balloting equipment. The bill also requires that electronic balloting equipment purchased by the Division after the effective date be accessible to the visually impaired.

Currently, voters with visual impairments must depend on a sighted person to accompany them in the voting booth, read the ballot out loud, and assist them in casting their vote.

Frank Haas was a long-time Alaskan advocate for the visually impaired. SB 258 has been named in his honor, and is a continuation of his efforts to allow the visually impaired to cast their ballots privately.

SB 258 is a companion to House Bill 320 by Rep. Joe Green (R-Anchorage).

# # #

Attachments:

• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 13 K

| Sen. Leman's Page |

| Top | Home | Site Search | Breaking News | Legislators | Bills |
| Committees | E-Newsletter | Surveys | Research | Help |

The Official Web Site of the House and Senate Legislative Majorities
for the 22nd Alaska State Legislature
To Report Technical Problems or Contact Webmasters