To the Editor:

I just had the most wonderful experience. I am totally blind and I voted by myself! I tested/voted on the new accessible voting machines during the primary — but that feeling cannot even begin to compare with how I feel this morning.

I was in tears by the time I left the polling station — for the first time in years I voted without assistance.

To the makers of the accessible voting machines, thank you! Because of you I have the capability of exercising my rights as a U.S. citizen.

To the poll workers in Franklin, Virginia, thank you! Because of you, I can vote right along my sighted peers.

God bless this great nation — USA!

(Note: My husband said I was “skipping” down the sidewalk this morning with my guide dog, Hannah — I was so excited!)

Thank you, Franklin, Virginia!

Jeanette McAllister, Ph.D
Franklin