I think it’s highly likely that older people might have
had problems SEEing the ballot properly. This has nothing to do with senility; rather it’s a question of visual acuity. Having astigmatism myself, I can imagine that the butterfly ballot posed some legitimate problems to older voters, which would not have been reported by fourth graders.
Java, the ballot was specifically designed to be as big lettered as possible and thats what caused the confusion.
I work with old people a lot, and it is true that they tend to be afraid of new things, and surprized by the ordinary.
On the other hand, they have rights too.
If the illiterate can vote with an aide, and the blind, and those without use of their arms, why not old people.
The registrars should take the first step and reach out to them with provisions for such helpers clearly offered and permitted and even encouraged.
Only they can vote for their own concerns, and there should be no physical or bureaucratic obstacles.