HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced that history was made in Helena on Tuesday by three members of Montana’s blind and visually impaired community as they cast partisan ballots in total secrecy.
Historically, the state’s blind and visually impaired voters were required to ask for assistance to receive their preferred party ballot in a primary election. Due to solutions implemented by Secretary Jacobsen’s administration, for the first time in Montana, the state’s blind and visually impaired voters can select in secrecy the party ballot they wish to vote in a primary election without revealing their choice to another individual, such as an election official.
This week, three members of Montana’s blind and visually impaired community – Jim Marks, Jacob Krissovich, and Rick White – cast their ballots in complete secrecy. The Secretary of State’s Office funded the pilot to offer this voting experience at the Lewis and Clark County Elections Office.
“This was an incredible moment in Montana election history,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I’m proud to continue delivering for Montana voters by making our elections more accessible and secure. Our office works with a servant’s heart each day, and it’s an honor to serve all Montanans.”
“It’s been something we’ve been working on for a while in terms of recognizing the problem, which is with the primary elections, blind and visually impaired people weren’t able to select the party which they wanted to vote for, independently,” said Jacob Krissovich, the President of the Helena Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Montana. “So, the process was that we searched for partners in this and the Secretary of State’s Office stepped up really quickly to assist us in this journey. It’s been great; they’ve been a great partner.”
“When we brought it to the attention of the Secretary of State, we were very pleased to have the Secretary of State respond and find a solution for us,” added Jim Marks, the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Montana. “That’s why we’re here today, to try the solution to the problem that we raised. We’re grateful that the Montana state government is so responsive to its citizens. It’s very cool.”
Montana has invested in technology and services to assist voters with disabilities, enhancing all voters’ ability to participate in elections at the polling place.
“I want to extend a genuine heartfelt thank you to (the Secretary of State’s Office). We all feel that this pilot was a huge success,” said Krissovich. “As it currently stands, the three of us were able to independently cast our ballot, and that is a colossal victory for my community. Genuinely, thank you so much for helping us change history.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Montanans will have their voices heard during this 2024 election cycle, and the Montana Elections Team aims to provide all Montana voters with a great election experience and the highest level of integrity,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Thanks for voting, Montana!”
