Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC)

The Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) of Monterey County works to open lines of communication and fosters cooperation with community groups. The local VAAC provides a forum for the disability and senior communities to voice their concerns and provide advice. VAAC members can recommend accessibility improvements to polling places, websites, voter materials, and county election procedures.

Mission:

The mission of the Monterey County Elections Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC) is to assist in providing access to the democratic process to all voters, regardless of specific needs or physical ability, so that each person has an opportunity to vote independently and privately.

Meetings:

The Monterey County Elections VAAC will have two to four meetings a year, or more as needed. Meetings will last approximately 1 hour; however more time may be required for specific topic areas.

Composition:

The VAAC is to be comprised of at least five representative members from different local disability agencies, agencies supporting the elderly, or other interested local groups in Monterey County.

VAAC goals:

• Review and refine current access plan.

• Assist and advise county election officials on existing programs to reach people with disabilities and other communities of interest including language minorities, also provide advice in developing new programs.

• Advise county elections officials on where to set up voting equipment and how to recognize barriers to participation for those with specific needs, including, but not limited to, senior voters and voters with disabilities.

• Review and assess polling place survey data for compliance with state and federal accessibility guidelines.

• Assist and advise county elections officials in training poll workers to assist senior voters, voters with disabilities, and provide language services.

• Assist in the recruitment of poll workers with disabilities, seniors, and those from language minority communities.

Member responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in meetings.

• Serve on the committee for at least two consecutive years.

• Prepare accordingly for each meeting. Some reading material may be sent in advance to review and prepare for the meetings.

• Complete training on voter accessibility requirements and activities.

• Stay informed of accessibility services provided by Elections.

• Advise and assist in areas identified by Elections.

• Complete an annual survey.

For more information:

Contact Mary Helen Gallegos at gallegosmh@co.monterey.ca.us or call (831) 796-1499.