News Releases and Media Advisories

Elections Canada Tests Assistive Voting Device
in Winnipeg North By-election

OTTAWA, Monday, November 15, 2010

• Having received the approval of Parliament, Elections Canada is piloting an assistive voting device during the federal by-election currently under way in Winnipeg North (Manitoba).
  
  
  
  
  
• The device allows electors with disabilities to mark their ballots independently and in secrecy. It is especially useful for electors who have visual impairments or limited dexterity.
  
  
• Electors who require assistance can vote using the device at the local Elections Canada office until Tuesday, November 23, or at the advance polls on Friday, November 19, Saturday, November 20 and Monday, November 22.
  
  
• The pilot project in Winnipeg North will help Elections Canada determine how well the device responds to electors’ needs and integrates into the federal electoral process. Elections Canada will share those results with Parliament.
  
  
• Elections Canada continues to explore the potential for new technology that would improve the accessibility of the electoral process.

"Elections Canada is testing an assistive voting device to allow electors with disabilities to mark their ballots independently and in secrecy. This provides them with an additional way to vote," says Marc Mayrand, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.

Vote. Shape your world.

Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament.

Information:
Elections Canada Media Relations
1-877-877-9515
or at www.elections.ca