Voting Assistance and Voters with Disabilities

Young woman handing audio equipment to an older voter.
  • Voters with disabilities may request assistance from poll workers to use ballot marking devices. Learn how to use accessible ballot devices and how to help others use them. (Or know who is designated to do this at your assigned polling place.)
  • Poll workers may provide other types of assistance such as helping a voter with limited hand dexterity guide their ballot into the ballot box/device or providing a chair to a person with severe fatigue who is waiting to vote.
  • Don’t hesitate to offer assistance if a voter seems to need it–but always ask how to provide assistance. People with disabilities know their needs and the best way for staff to assist them.
  • A voter may have an aide or family member with them to provide assistance with mobility or communication. This should not affect their right to vote!
  • A disabled voter may bring someone of their choice to help complete their ballot. They may also ask a poll worker to help them fill out a ballot. States may have their own procedures regarding assistance in filling out a ballot. Your election official should be able to provide instructions for your state.

Become Familiar with Your State’s Accessible Voting Policies and Procedures

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has compiled How to Vote Quick Guides for People with Disabilities for each state.  Although developed for voters with disabilities, the information may be helpful to poll workers as well. Policies for acceptable voter identification, curbside voting, and assistance in filling out a ballot are covered. Links to resources such as finding a voter’s correct polling place are also available.

Your county or city’s election official will also provide information specific to your state.