Most low vision voters are unaware of assistive voting technology like ballot marking devices, and many require help to vote, highlighting the need for greater education and outreach to promote independent voting among this population, according to a paper presented at the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting.
In the study conducted at an academic ophthalmology practice in the Bronx, 90 visually impaired patients agreed to participate in a survey assessing their knowledge of ballot marking devices. Although nearly half of the respondents (45.6%) were registered voters, 69% of those reported needing assistance to vote. Only 6.1% could accurately describe a BMD.
The findings also showed that individuals who voted more frequently were significantly more interested in learning about BMDs (P = 0.044).
Reference
Cushman JM, et al. Measuring barriers to polling place access and independent ballot casting for the visually impaired using ballot marking devices. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting; April 25–28, 2025; Los Angeles, CA
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