Montana's election administrators are prioritizing accessibility for voters with disabilities, as highlighted in a recent Senate State Administration meeting. Miss Plattenberg, representing the election administrators, emphasized the ongoing efforts to balance accessibility with security, particularly for military voters and those with disabilities.
During the meeting, Plattenberg confirmed that the state is committed to ensuring that voters who utilize the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) have the necessary access to the ballot. She noted that the current systems in place, including the Election Assistance System (EAS) for military voters and the Electronic Ballot Return System (EBRS), are being evaluated to enhance security while maintaining accessibility.
The discussion also touched on the standardized UOCAVA voter registration processes implemented across all counties in Montana. Plattenberg assured committee members that these processes are in place and that a survey is conducted to ensure compliance.
Despite some concerns raised about the readiness of certain systems, Plattenberg reiterated the election administrators' support for measures that facilitate independent voting for disabled individuals. The commitment to improving access to voting reflects a broader goal of inclusivity in Montana's electoral process, ensuring that all citizens can participate fully in democracy.
As the state moves forward, the focus will remain on refining these systems to better serve all voters, particularly those facing challenges in accessing the ballot.