Independent Living, Inc. client tries the new machine

NEWBURGH – A new voting machine designed for persons with sight and hearing impairments or cognitive disabilities has been purchased to comply with the Help America Vote Act by the counties of Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster.

On Tuesday, clients of Independent Living, Inc., a Newburgh-based disability service and advocacy organization invited potential voters to the Newburgh Activity Center to test the machine.

Voters are instructed on voting selections with visual directions and prompts.

Susan Stockburger, systems advocate with Independent Living, expects the new machines to work well for those who need their special services.

“I think it will be great. People will be able to vote on machine privately and independently, which is a key.”

Those at the screening felt the device was a God sent for those who previously required assistance in a traditional voting booth.

Donna Denise of Kingston, a poll worker in her home city, believes the new voting machines will be beneficial for those who have difficulty reaching the switches, or if they are blind or deaf, they require another person in the booth with them.

“This will be a Godsend, it will definitely be a miracle,” she said.