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2010 By-elections – Assistive Voting Device Pilot Project

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Accessible Voting

Pilot Project

Federal By-election – November 29, 2010

Winnipeg North

Elections Canada is working to make voting easier by providing new options for electors with disabilities.

A new assistive voting device is being piloted during the Winnipeg North federal by-election. This device allows electors with disabilities to mark their ballots independently and in secrecy. Other voting methods are still available – this provides one more option.

Accessibility Features

  • Tactile controller with Braille buttons


  • Rocker paddles


  • Sip-and-puff attachment that allows voters to select options using their breath


  • Audio with volume and speed control to hear choices through headphones


  • High-contrast screen with text that can be made bigger


  • Audio and/or visual review function to confirm choice of candidate before printing ballot
Tactile controller with Braille buttons
Rocker paddles with a man's feet on them
man using sip-and-puff attachment that allows voters to select options using their breath
a high-contrast screen with text that can be made bigger

Where to Use the Device

  • At your advance poll on November 19, 20 and 22
  • At your local Elections Canada office fromNovember 14 to 23

Other Services and Tools

  • On-site assistance and level access to polling sites
  • Special ballot voting – by mail, at your local Elections Canada office or at home in the presence of an election officer and witness
  • Sign language interpretation (requested in advance)
  • Sign language videos on the electoral process
  • Braille voting templates and large-print lists of candidates

Polling Site Accessibility Feedback

We want your voting experience to be positive and accessible. To share feedback, complete a form at your polling site or on-line, or speak with an Elections Canada official.



Contact Us to Learn More

Local Elections Canada office:
1865 Burrows Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2X 2V9

Telephone (toll-free): 1-866-294-6772
TTY icon TTY: 1-800-361-8935
E-mail: info@elections.ca