ACCESS DENIED

2. Poor navigation between pages on the website
All but the California and Utah websites were structured in a way that makes
it burdensome and confusing to navigate with a screen reader. Proper coding
allows a user to move between screens without getting lost or confused in the
process.
3. Inaccessible images
People who are blind or low vision cannot view an image on a site. They rely on
coding (called alternative text, or “alt text”) that explains what an image is. The
majority of sites either did not provide this information or provided it incorrectly.
4. Poor website design
Some states designed their sites in ways that created obstacles for both users
with and without disabilities. These design flaws include using insufficient
contrast between text and background color, using small text that fails to
enlarge clearly, and using sophisticated and complicated language where simple
sentences would do.
This report is a tool for election officials and computer programmers to design
accessible voter registration websites. It details common errors in online voter
registration sites and highlights best practices for website designers. It includes
both basic information for the lay reader and detailed instructions for the expert
coder.
Making websites accessible will improve the voting process for everyone.
Moreover, at least one study has shown that making websites accessible will
enable states to save money. 9 By implementing the recommendations included in
this report, states and localities will ensure that all eligible voters will have the
opportunity to participate in our democracy without unnecessary barriers.
THE CENTER FOR ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY ACLU 5