10/01/2026
Assistive technology (AT) offers a range of tools that can help whether you are voting by mail or in-person. Here are a few options that may help, depending on your needs and how you choose to vote.
Low-Tech: Pen Grips & Writing Aids
Simple tools like pen grips and writing aids can make holding and using a pen easier. These options may be helpful for voters who have difficulty with grip, hand strength, or fine motor tasks. There are many different types available for pen grips and writing aids to see which one works best for you.
Mid-Tech: Handheld Lighted Magnifiers
Handheld magnifiers can make printed information easier to see. They are a simple option for voters who need a visual support when reading their ballot or other voting materials. This can be useful if you are voting in person or mailing in your ballot. There are all sorts of magnifier options, lighted ones which make it even easier for many to read the ballot.
High tech: The Voter Assist Terminal (VAT)
If you are voting in person, you are able to use the Voter Assist Terminal or VAT for short. The VAT is an accessible, touch-screen device available for voters to mark and print their ballots in Michigan elections. The VAT can help those with disabilities vote in privately and without assistance. Every polling place is required to have a VAT set up for those who want to use it. You do not need to disclose a disability to use the VAT, it is available for all voters, whether they identify as disabled or not. You just need to ask to use the VAT when you arrive at your polling location.
There are three types of VAT equipment available depending on your county, the ES &S Express Vote, the Hart Verity Touch Writer, and the Liberty Vote ImageCast ICX. To determine what system your county is using for their VAT, there is an index available here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/VotingMachineVendor/Index
To learn how to use the VAT, Michigan's official voting-equipment page has video walkthroughs for all three VAT systems used in Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/voters/voting-equipment
Voting looks different for everyone, and having the right tools can make the process easier and more accessible. Contact us for a demonstration if you are looking for AT to make voting process easier by using the button below or by emailing [email protected].
[Image description: AT for Voting graphic, with the MATP logo, a picture of a writing bird with a pencil, a handheld lighted magnifier and a VAT. Text: Assistive Technology (AT) for voting. Whether you vote by mail or in person, there may be AT options that can make the process easier. Low-Tech: Pen grips and writing aids. Simple tools like pen grips and writing aids can make holding and using a pen easier. Mid-Tech: Handheld lighted magnifiers. Handheld magnifiers can make printed information easier to see. High-Tech: The Voter Assist Terminal (VAT). The Voter Assist Terminal (VAT) is an accessible, touch-screen device that allows voters to mark and print their ballots.]
