ACCESSIBLE VOTING

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.