PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 24, 2012

Contact: Willard R. Helander

                  847.377.2308

ADA Equipment at Every Voting Site

WAUKEGAN, Illinois - Every early and Election Day voting site is accessible to all Lake County voters with special needs. In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), each voting site offers handicap entrance ramps, wheelchair accessible voting booths, magnifying lenses, and ballot marking equipment.

When using the ballot marking equipment, a voter can choose to have the ballot displayed on a large-print screen or read to them through headphones. The font size, screen contrast, volume, and speed of speech are controlled by the voter. The terminal also accommodates sip-and-puff tube technology.

Privately, a voter uses the touch-screen or arrow keys to navigate and make ballot selections unassisted. After voter confirms a summary of choices, the terminal will mark the ballot and return to it to the voter for placement in the ballot bin.

Demonstration of the ballot marking equipment can be scheduled through the County Clerk's office by calling 847.377.2314.

For more information on County Clerk services and election news, visit  LakeCountyClerk.info, follow us at  twitter.com/ClerkWillard, join our page at  facebook.com/CountyClerk, or subscribe to our e-newsletter at LakeCountyClerk.info by clicking on the envelope icon or call 847.377.2400.

# # #