Accessible Voting System (AVS)

AVS Preview & Practice | Voting Place Accessibility

In 2006, to enhance voting accessibility and satisfy the accessible voting system requirements of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), the State of Maine selected IVS, LLC of Kentucky to provide an Accessible Voting System (AVS) to enable individuals with disabilities to vote with privacy and independence—a first ever opportunity for many.

After an extensive review and competitive bid process involving a broad range of interested individuals and organizations, the Inspire Vote-By-Phone system was determined to be the best solution to meet the needs of Maine voters.  The RFP (bid) process included input from representatives of the disability community and municipal clerks. The purchase was funded almost entirely by the federal government.

The AVS allows voters to cast their ballots using a telephone and fax combination that is set up at each voting place for all federal and state elections.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and State Representative Linda Valentino test Maine’s accessible voting system in Augusta. This system is available at all voting places throughout Maine, in addition to the traditional voting equipment, for all state and federal elections.