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ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO RALLY WITH DISABILTY ADVOCATES AGAINST COUNTY

White Plains — Assembly members George Latimer and Adam Bradley will join disability rights advocates at a rally at Renaissance Plaza on September 10, to oppose a “discriminatory” petition issued to Governor Patterson from the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

In its June 11 petition, the Board “urges” the governor to “take all actions necessary to permit counties to continue to use mechanical lever voting machines.” Advocates maintain the lever machines do not provide a fully equitable voting system in accordance with the 2002 federal Help America Vote Act. The 2002 statute states that voting systems must provide accessibility for voters with disabilities – including privacy and independence - in the same manner as for other voters.

In making the argument for the lever machines, the Board states in its petition that the machines have proved “reliable” and are “user-friendly and cost-effective.” However, disability advocates maintain that the continued use of the lever machines is discriminatory against voters with varying types of visual, mobility and cognitive disabilities, who are unable to use them independently, without assistance.

“The Weschester County Board of Legislators issued a resolution four years ago supporting the use of a voting system which accommodates people with disabilities,” says disability advocate, [……………], “Why then why would its members advocate for the continued use of lever voting machines, which have proven barriers to accessible, private and independent voting

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