Oregon Tests Using iPad as a Voting Machine

While most Oregon residents are still voting with paper ballots this election, a select few will be voting by iPad.

The state is testing Apple’s tablet to help those with disabilities more easily cast their ballots.

Although the iPad is being used to assist with the election, those using it aren’t casting their votes electronically. Rather, the iPad allows those with visual and other challenges to better see the ballot and make their selections. Their choices are then printed out on a paper ballot, according to an Associated Press report.

Apple has donated five iPads to help with the pilot project, according to the report.

The state decided to try out the iPad because its current crop of adaptive technology is aging. According to the AP report, the iPad-based approach has the potential to lower election costs, even if the state has to purchase significant numbers of Apple tablets.