ACCESSIBLE VOTING

Massachusetts is committed to making voting accessible for all voters. 

ACCESSIBLE POLLING PLACES

During Early Voting and on Election Day, all polling locations must be accessible. The Secretary of the Commonwealth has standards that Westfield are required to meet. This includes:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible entrances
• Ramps wherever there are stairs

ACCESSIBLE VOTING PROCEDURES

A voter can bring someone or ask election workers to assist them while:

• Entering the polling location
• Checking in
• Entering the voting booth
• Preparing the ballot
• Exiting the booth
• Checking out

ACCESSIBLE VOTING EQUIPMENT

As required by law, on election day and during early voting period, the City of Westfield has an accessible voting machine.  The AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals can assist visually impaired voters.  It displays the ballot in high-contrast, magnified text and uses audio cues.  The AutoMARK can also read you your ballot before you print it out and submit it.  The Election Workers are trained to use the machine and are available to assist.

Watch this AutoMARK Video for more information on the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal.

ACCESSIBLE VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT

Massachusetts implemented an Accessible Electronic Voting System as the result of the VOTES act.  Westfield voters may now request, receive, complete and return their ballot electronically using a secure web portal.  It is available to voters who are blind or have a vision impairment, have a mobility or dexterity disability or have another disability that makes it difficult to mark a paper ballot.

APPLYING FOR YOUR BALLOT

Submit any written request with your signature indicating that you need to use an accessible vote by mail ballot or complete an Accessible Voters Vote by Mail Application by mail (City Clerk, 59 Court St, Westfield, MA 01085), by email (votewestfield@cityofwestfield.org), by fax (413-564-3114) or in person ( use the White Drop Off Box outside of City Hall or the City Clerk's Office, Room 210, 2nd Floor).  Your application must include a signature that can be compared to your hand-written signature.  If you are unable to sign your application due to a disability, you may type your or stamp your name and include a statement that you are unable to sign due to a disability.

VOTING BY ACCESSIBLE VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT

Once the City Clerk's office receives the application, two emails will be sent to the email address provided on the application.  One will include instructions for accessing the system and returning your completed ballot and the second will give you a unique access PIN to use to login.  The secure web portal can be accessed by using a computer or mobile device.

If you have questions, please contact the Secretary’s accessible Vote by Mail Coordinator at avbm@sec.state.ma.us or by phone at 617-727-2828.

HELPFUL CONTACTS AND LINKS:

MA State Election's Division-Voters with Disabilities
Polling Place Accessibility for Elderly & Voters with Disabilities Requirements
Secure and Confidential Communication Services of MassRelay