Through the history
of our country people with disabilities weren’t thought of with voting rights.
The laws that were passed didn't include people with disabilities. Even though
some laws were passed like the civil rights act making sure that minorities had
equal rights based on race, gender etc., it didn't include people with
disabilities.
Many laws didn't say people with
disabilities officially were not allowed to vote (although some laws though
history did say people with disabilities couldn't), they just couldn't because
voting places or voting ballots were not required to be accessible. When the
ADA was passed in 1990 part of it included voting. Accessible accommodations
protected by law include:
Allowing someone to help you vote
(cannot be your employer or union representative)
Providing handrails on all stairs at
the voting locations
Accessible parking at voting places
Voting and election materials in large
print
Entrances and doorways at the voting
location that are at least 32 inches wide
Wheelchair-accessible voting
locations, both inside and outside
At least one accessible voting device
at EVERY location. These devices help voters who are blind, visually impaired,
or have other accessibility needs.
Allowing service animals
Poll workers to help you use
accessible voting devices
***Drop off boxes are also required to
be accessible for people with disabilities.
If you have any questions contact your
local election office. The information should be on their website as well.
