Picture going to your polling location on election day and not being able to get into the building. Imagine having to depend on someone else to drive you to the polls so you can vote. Consider the frustration of being handed a ballot and not being able to see what’s on it.
This election day, millions of Americans will visit a polling location to exercise their constitutional right to vote. For most, it’s something that takes little effort. But for one in five Americans, voting may involve more planning and research because they have a disability.
Learn how you or a loved one with a disability can prepare for election day with this guide from USAGov:
Know your rights. Learn your basic accessibility rights at the polling place. It’s important to know what accommodations each location is required to provide by law, and who to contact if those accommodations are not available.
Bring a voting buddy. Federal law allows you to bring another person to help you vote if you are blind or have another disability.
Reach out to the election office. Contact your local election officials before election day to find out if your polling place is accessible for your needs, and learn about other options that may be available in your state, like:
Curbside voting — a poll worker brings all voting materials to your car
Mobile polling places at long-term care facilities
Local organizations that support people with disabilities by providing transportation to the polls and identifying the accessibility of polling places
Absentee voting or early voting
Don’t let disability challenges keep you from making your voice heard in the upcoming election. Get informed and plan ahead. If you know someone with a disability, reach out and see if there’s something you can do to help this election day.
Learn more about getting ready to cast your ballot this year with USAGov’s Guide for First Time Voters.
