Oregon’s Alternate Format Ballot
From XP to Surface – and Beyond
Significance of Vote by Mail

“Most places require the voter to go to the ballot. But in Oregon, the ballot comes to the voter.” 
	-- Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, 2007.

Sample AFB Ballot

Sample AFB Ballot

ACCESSABLE COMPUTER SYSTEMS – 2008-11
ACCESSABLE COMPUTER SYSTEMS – 2008-11
ACCESSABLE COMPUTER SYSTEMS – 2008-11
Problems with ACS’s
•	Purchased in 2007
•	Ran Home Version of XP
•	Specially configured ZoomText Reader
•	Peripheral drivers often not compatible
•	Election staff not IT skilled
•	Only way to update OS or drivers was to have IT tech physically visit each office
•	But … they worked!
Large Print AFB
•	Added a Large Print Ballot in 2009
•	11 x 17 and 8.5 x 14
•	18 point Aphont font
•	Voters request LPB as their ballot of choice
•	Need for LPB printed ballot growing

Five Criteria for AFB Platforms
•	Device has to have a Browser 
•	Screen Reader (native or ISV software)
•	JavaScript capable and turned on
•	Wi-Fi, internet and/or USB connection
•	Printer connectivity (USB cable or Wi-Fi)

Summary
•	HTML Ballots now being used by UVOCAVA and sighted voters
•	Blind and disabled requesting HTML and voting at home on their own devices
•	Large Format Ballots fit the older voter’s need for traditional paper ballot
•	AFB in VBM allows voters to take their time
•	Tablet devices are being evaluated
AFB = Voting in Your Bath Robe!
Does this look familiar?
Thoughts Toward the Future
•	Flexibility in voting process is essential
•	Evolving platforms must enhance process
•	Voters prefer voting the way they live their lives – mobile/connected or not.
•	Unique people = unique needs
•	USPS needs to stay in business!
•	Voter privacy vs “right to be counted”
Thank You!
John Schmitt
Five Cedars Group, Inc.
John.schmitt@fivecedarsgroup.com
503-329-4700