Elections Ontario defends accessibility efforts at human rights tribunal

Lawyers for Elections Ontario presented final submissions to an Ontario Human Rights Tribunal regarding the accessibility of voting processes for people with disabilities. The hearing follows a complaint filed over seven years ago by accessibility advocate David Lepofsky, stemming from an incident during the 2018 Ontario election.

Lepofsky alleged that during the 2018 election, his ballot fell to the floor while being processed by an accessible voting machine, leading a poll worker to see his vote. He also noted the absence of braille voting affirmation documents and argued that the agency has failed to ensure he can vote independently and privately in subsequent elections. He is seeking a consistent and reliable voting method for blind citizens.

Representing Elections Ontario, lawyer Yael Bienenstock stated that the agency aims to allow all voters to mark ballots independently and verify their choices. She noted that 175 accessible voting machines are currently available. Bienenstock also highlighted the financial challenges of these accommodations, stating that each unit costs between $3,500 and $5,000.