Kilotest: Diagnoses of tab-opening link action unstated violation by HTML element 1459 on Open Secrets page

Basics

About the page

• URL: https://www.opensecrets.org/
• Tested 3 days ago on 2026-10-07 at 19:57 by job 261007T1941-pfb
• Summary of results:
  • Rule engines:
    • Called: 12
    • Were able to test: 12
    • Reported any rule violations: 12
  • Violations: 2429
  • Violators: 1331
  • Issues: 75
• Download the full technical report (JSON)

About the issue

• Why it matters: Following a link opens a new window, surprising a user
• Priority: high
• Related WCAG standard: 3.2.5
• Reported by 1 rule engine (Editoria11y)
• Violations: 1
• Violators: 1

About the violator

• Tag name: A
• Text: [not applicable]
• Start tag: <a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/opensecrets/" target="_blank">
• XPath: /html/body/div[4]/div[6]/section[1]/div[2]/a[1]
• Bounding box: x = 862, y = 4380, width = 748, height = 428
• Reported by Editoria11y

Diagnoses

Here is how rule engines diagnose the tab-opening link action unstated issue for HTML element 1459 of the Open Secrets page.

1. <p>Readers can always choose to open a link a new window. When a link forces open a new window, it can be confusing and annoying, especially for assistive device users who may wonder why their browser's "back" button is suddenly disabled.</p> <p>There are two general exceptions:</p> <ul> <li>When the user is filling out a form, and opening a link in the same window would cause them to lose their work.</li> <li>When the user is clearly warned a link will open a new window.</li> </ul> <p><strong>To fix:</strong> set this link back its default target, or add a screen-reader accessible warning (text or an icon with alt text).</p>

   Rule engine: Editoria11y (Princeton University)

   Rule: linkNewWindow