Apple donates iPads for Oregon test program to help disabled voters

Apple has donated an initial batch of five iPads to the state of Oregon for a trial program designed to replace specialized laptops set up for disabled voters.

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Oregon is pioneering the use of a new technology for voting: Apple’s iPad, according to the Associated Press. Five counties will participate in a trial program for a special election on Tuesday using the iPads donated by Apple.

Election workers are taking the iPads and printers around to “parks, nursing homes and community centers” in search of voters who have difficulty with traditional paper ballots, the report said. Voters simply, call up the ballot, tap the screen to choose a candidate, then print it out. But, technically, citizens aren’t using the iPad to actually vote, as they still need to print out the ballots and either drop them off at a ballot box or in the mail.

The custom iPad app, which cost the state $75,000 to develop, allows users to adjust the font size and colors and will read out candidates’ names and instructions. For those with limited mobility, a “sip-and-puff” device can be attached to the iPad. Voters with their own Bluetooth-capable accessibility devices, such as joysticks and paddles, can also connect them to the iPads.

“It’s a lot simpler for me. I think it’s a great setup they got,” said 75-year-old voter Lewis Crews after using the iPad to fill out and print a ballot.

Via: AppleInsider.com