We are calling on everyone, including voters, non-voters, election officials, people with disabilities, designers, engineers, and students, to\u00a0help us make elections more accessible for everyone.<\/p>\n
We invite you to join us in this challenge.<\/strong> What is the challenge?<\/strong> Here\u2019s how the process works. We start by trying to better understand the problem. Over the next few weeks, everyone will be invited to\u00a0help us research the issues and share their experiences. We are sharing stories, insights and examples of voting systems or experiences\u00a0that might relate to elections and accessibility.<\/p>\n In a few weeks, we\u2019ll start focusing on brainstorming solutions. Along the way, there will be opportunities for feedback and to refine concepts\u00a0and solutions.<\/p>\n You can join the challenge at any time. The discussion is always open.<\/p>\n Who should participate?<\/strong> To participate, go to:\u00a0http:\/\/www.openideo.com\/open\/voting\/brief.html<\/a><\/p>\n Why are we hosting this challenge?<\/strong> All of the ideas generated by this challenge will be made freely available to anyone who wants to implement them. For example, Los Angeles\u00a0County elections officials will be following this challenge in their pursuit of a modern voting system. In L.A. County alone, your ideas during\u00a0this challenge can help improve the voting experience for 4.5 million voters.<\/p>\n Who is hosting the challenge?<\/strong> What should you do next?<\/strong> Then head over to OpenIDEO (http:\/\/www.openideo.com\/open\/voting\/inspiration\/<\/a>). Browse through some of the ideas that have already been\u00a0posted. Create an account, and you can add your own comments to the discussion, or post an Inspiration of your own.<\/p>\n As experts in accessible design and working with people with disabilities, you will bring a knowledge of what works, and where we\u00a0need new ideas. Your voice in the discussion will help thousands of designers understand not only the need for better accessibility,\u00a0but how to make it a reality.<\/p>\n We\u2019re relying on your input to ensure that the work we do together is thoughtful, grounded, and has a real potential for impact.<\/p>\n Is the site accessible?<\/strong>
\nRead more below or visit us at:\u00a0http:\/\/www.openideo.com\/open\/voting\/brief.html<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWe are searching for creative answers to the question: How might we design an accessible election experience for everyone?<\/p>\n
\nEveryone is encouraged to participate. Everyone. That includes you!<\/p>\n
\nWe believe elections can be made more accessible for people with disabilities and anyone else who faces barriers to participating in\u00a0democracy.<\/p>\n
\nThe Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is a non-profit think tank at the cutting edge of designing policies that will boost\u00a0economic growth and improve quality of life in the United States and around the world. The ITIF Accessible Voting Technology Initiative is a\u00a0project funded by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to make voting processes and technology more accessible. We are\u00a0partnering with OpenIDEO on this challenge. OpenIDEO is an open innovation platform that taps into the scale of social networks to tackle\u00a0challenges for social good. This challenge is one way we are exploring new ideas for improving elections. For more about our project, go to\u00a0http:\/\/elections.itif.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nTo start, read the challenge brief (http:\/\/www.openideo.com\/open\/voting\/brief.html<\/a>) to get a sense of the scope and direction for the\u00a0challenge.<\/p>\n
\nThe OpenIDEO team is working to improve the accessibility of the site. We know it\u2019s not optimal, but they are working to get there. If you\u00a0have ideas or comments to improve the OpenIDEO site, write to hello@openideo.com<\/a>\u00a0and the community managers will make sure your\u00a0feedback is heard.<\/p>\n