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Waco County board approves voting‑system instruction cards in English and Braille; board discusses ADA options
Summary
The board approved voting‑system instruction cards in English and Braille and discussed ADA features of the voting units (Braille keypad and audio ballot reader); board declined to add additional languages at this meeting.
Leanna introduced Resolution 2026‑03, saying Indiana Code requires counties to publish voting‑system instruction cards and permits English, Braille and any other language the board finds necessary. The board discussed whether to add translations beyond English and Braille.
A board member described accessible features on the county’s voting units: the ADA unit includes a pull‑out keypad with Braille‑labeled buttons and headphones that will read the ballot to the voter. The board voted to approve posting the instruction cards in English and Braille; members said they have not received complaints in the past about the absence of additional language cards and declined to adopt other languages at this time.
Why it matters: Instruction cards and accessible voting equipment are required under state election law and are key to enabling voters with visual impairments and other disabilities to vote independently.
What the board decided: Approve the instruction cards in English and Braille; proceed with the existing ADA equipment (Braille keypad and audio ballot reader) already configured for use at vote centers.
Next steps: Staff to finalize and post the approved instruction cards at vote centers before the election. The board may revisit additional language translations if the county receives requests or complaints.
