Voting Rights of People with Disabilities

Each state has the right to set their election policies and procedures.  However, state and local governments must ensure that they do not have policies, procedures, or practices in place that make it difficult or impossible for people with certain types of disabilities to vote. While your state may offer different ways to vote such as mail-in ballots, all voters have the right to vote in person at their designated polling places if they choose to do so.  

‍On election day, this means:‍

  • The polling place should be accessible to people with different types of disabilities.  If parking is provided this includes an accessible parking spaces(s) and accessible route to an accessible entrance. Temporary measures, such as a portable ramp, may be used to make a facility accessible on election day.
  • A secure and confidential way for blind people or other types of conditions to vote is available. 
  • Voters with disabilities that affect vision, speech, hearing, or cognition should be able to understand voting instructions and communicate with poll workers. This may require alternate materials for different methods of communication. A disabled voter can bring a personal aide, companion, or family member for assistance
  •  Alternate forms of Identification are accepted if a disabled voter does not have a driver’s license.  (Policies and procedures regarding acceptable identification are developed by the state).
  •  A person’s ability to make an informed vote should not be judged on the basis of type of disability, appearance, or where they live. (Example: group home or nursing home).

Poll Worker Responsibilities

Poll workers should:

  • Be prepared to provide assistance to voters with different types of disabilities
  • Be aware of the possible needs to voters with different types of disabilities and “disability etiquette”. 
  • Maintain the accessible route throughout the day.
  • Be prepared to communicate with a voter who is deaf, hard of hearing or blind
  • Understand the rights of people who use service animals and how to interact with service animals (and their handlers).
  • Know 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.)
  • Communicate in a way that is respectful of and sensitive to disabled voters.