The Johnson County Auditor’s Office, in partnership with the Iowa City Senior Center (ICSC) and the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, is inviting the public to learn and practice using ExpressVote® ADA accessible voting equipment from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at the Iowa City Senior Center, 28 S. Linn St., Iowa City. The event is free and open to everyone and provides voters a chance to familiarize themselves with the equipment before the November 3, 2026 General Election. 

The Johnson County Elections team will provide a short demonstration of the machine, answer questions and allow attendees to practice voting in a mock election.

The ExpressVote ADA helps voters who have difficulty marking a traditional paper ballot, including those with visual impairments or dexterity challenges. Features include larger text, audio assistance, a touchscreen, and a Braille keypad, allowing voters to mark their ballots independently and privately.

Angela Berns, ICSC Program Specialist, attended a previous demonstration of the ExpressVote ADA machines and said, “More people need to know about this!” Berns continued, “Watching people of different ages use the machine showed me how valuable it can be for anyone who finds marking a paper ballot difficult.”

Berns encourages others to attend the demonstration, “Come see how it works, whether for yourself or someone you know. Elections staff will explain the machine, then step away so you can vote privately and independently. The machine doesn't store your choices; it prints a paper ballot for you to review and submit. Everyone deserves the chance to make their voice heard.”

The ExpressVote ADA is not an electronic voting machine tabulator. Voters using the ExpressVote ADA machine are still casting a paper ballot. A voter inserts a paper ballot into the machine. After the voter makes their selections, the machine prints the selections on a paper ballot, and then it’s placed with other voted paper ballots.

ExpressVote ADA machines are available to any voter at every polling location in Johnson County, including all early voting satellite locations and the Johnson County Auditor’s Office lobby. Any voter, regardless of whether they have a disability or accessibility need, may use the machine.