Voting Assistance

• 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 waiting to vote who is experiencing fatigue.
• Don’t hesitate to offer assistance if a voter appears to need help–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 aid or family member with them to assist with mobility or communication. This should not affect their right to vote!
• A disabled voter may bring someone to help complete their ballot. They may also ask a poll worker to help them fill out a ballot. Each state may have its own procedure regarding assistance in filling out a ballot. The 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 Find Out How to Vote in Your State , which covers all 50 states. Policies for acceptable voter identification, curbside voting, and assistance in filling out a ballot are covered. Although developed for voters with disabilities, the information in this guide may be helpful to poll workers as well.

Your county or city’s election official is also a resource for policies and procedures specific to your state.