Assistive Tools Assistive tools aid persons with disabilities in completing tasks or other daily functions. There are several types of assistive tools that can make the electoral process more accessible. EMBs often need support in the development of these tools. Tactile ballot guides are folders in which the ballot can be placed, and use Braille or tactile symbols to identify the candidates, helping to ensure the secrecy of the vote for persons who are blind. The guides must be designed well in advance of an election, as the design of the ballot can be impacted by the design of the guide and vice versa. Holes in the folder line up with the boxes on the ballot so voters can read the Braille/symbols and mark the ballot in the same manner as voters not using the guide. Some EMBs have developed Braille ballots, but guides are a better solution for two reasons. First, there will often just be a few voters per ballot box that make use of the Braille ballot, so it will be easy to determine how those who used the Braille ballot voted. However, if a voter uses the guide, their ballot will look like all other ballots, thus guaranteeing the secrecy of the vote. Second, tactile ballot guides are usually a less expensive option. EMBs only need to provide a few guides for each polling center, whereas providing Braille ballots requires more logistics to ensure there are enough Braille Tactile ballot guide used in Sierra Leone in 2002. ballots at each station. Lowered voting booths that are accessible to wheelchair users help to ensure the secrecy of the vote. Tactile stickers or box tops indicate which ballot goes into which box for voters who are blind when they deposit ballots into more than one box on Election Day. Magnifying glasses, portable lighting and large grip pens are tools that can assist voters with and without disabilities. EMBs should develop a plan for procuring and distributing assistive tools in the pre-electoral phase. During the budgeting process, EMBs should include a line item for reasonable accommodations. Developing assistive tools at the last minute does not leave enough time to plan the logistics of their distribution. This can lead to assistive tools left in storage centers on Election Day. Persons with disabilities should be routinely consulted when developing assistive tools so that the tools meet the needs of voters. 44 This Guatemalan poll worker manual included a section on administering the vote to persons with disabilities. International Foundation for Electoral Systems and National Democratic Institute