Constructing a software to make mail-in voter registration extra accessible


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At vote.gov, our mission is to make it simple for all eligible voters to know tips on how to register and vote. That’s why we’ve partnered with the U.S. Election Help Fee (EAC) to create a software that helps folks extra simply fill out the Nationwide Mail Voter Registration Kind. 

The Nationwide Mail Voter Registration Kind is a method many U.S. residents can register to vote for the primary time or replace their registration with a brand new identify, deal with, or in some states, political celebration. Vote.gov itself doesn’t register voters or retailer any private information. As a substitute, we direct customers to register instantly with their state or territory, whether or not on-line, in individual, or by the Nationwide Mail Voter Registration Kind, which is accepted by most states. 

Prior to now, voters must fill out the shape by hand or utilizing PDF-filler software program. The brand new kind filler software on vote.gov permits eligible voters to fill out their registration kind on-line earlier than printing, signing, and mailing it to their state election workplace. The software additionally simplifies the 20-page PDF into a transparent, step-by-step course of through which customers solely see the data they want based mostly on their state. 

Designed with each voter in thoughts

We designed the shape filler software to take away limitations that make filling out the shape really feel overwhelming or sophisticated. Listed below are some options that make it a extra accessible expertise for voters

  • Display reader accessibility: The software follows greatest practices for display screen reader compatibility, guaranteeing voters with visible impairments can simply navigate and full the shape.
  • Customizable show: It helps net instruments that enable customers to regulate font measurement, change the show, or modify distinction settings for higher visibility.
  • Responsive, mobile-friendly design: Not like PDFs, the software works seamlessly throughout totally different units, together with telephones, tablets, and computer systems, offering a easy consumer expertise.
  • Inline assist textual content: State-specific directions seem subsequent to associated questions, serving to voters rapidly and precisely fill out their kinds.
  • Multilingual help: At present obtainable in English and Spanish, the shape filler will broaden to further languages sooner or later, guaranteeing broader accessibility for voters with restricted English proficiency.
  • State election workplace info: The shape filler software routinely offers the proper mailing deal with for the voter’s state or territory election workplace, in order that they don’t need to seek for it themselves

Bettering the expertise for states, too

The advantages of the shape filler software lengthen past the person consumer. By producing typed, legible kinds as an alternative of handwritten ones, it reduces errors and helps state election places of work course of kinds extra effectively. The software can also be designed to stop lacking info by requiring customers to fill out all obligatory fields earlier than continuing. This characteristic ensures the shape is full and correct, saving each voters and election officers time.

As well as, the software prompts customers to examine in the event that they’re already registered, serving to to keep away from duplicate registrations. And for these in states that provide on-line registration, the software alerts customers to that possibility, doubtlessly saving them much more time.

The brand new vote.gov  

We proceed to gather suggestions on the shape filler software and are dedicated to accessibility in all design and content material enhancements. The shape filler software is only one method vote.gov is making it simpler to discover ways to register and vote. Find out about vote.gov’s latest web site refresh and new options.