Elections Impact Our Future
Your vote is your power to make an impact on the policy decisions that influence your daily life.
Your participation in elections helps to choose the decision-makers who determine:
Advocates have made significant efforts to secure legal protections that ensure every individual’s right to vote is exercised and that it is done so with ease of navigation, sense of purpose and confidence. Your state may have accommodations that allow you to vote more easily. You have the right to vote and make sure your voice is heard! Join us in making a plan so that you can Access the Vote on Election Day.
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Milestones in Disability Voting Rights
1965.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, originally designed to address racial injustice in voting, did indirectly impact the disability community. Sec. 208 states that any voter who requires assistance due to blindness, disability or inability to read or write may be given assistance by a person of their choice. (National Archives | Voting Rights Act)
1984.
The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 aimed to improve access to polling places for the elderly and people living with disabilities by requiring accessibility features such as ramps and accessible voting booths. It was perhaps the first time that there was recognition and an attempt to address the barriers faced by the disability community when trying to exercise their right to vote, laying the groundwork for subsequent voting rights legislation aimed at tackling hinderances to voting participation. (LawInfo | What is the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984?)
1990.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 fundamentally changed the perception and landscape of disability rights in the United States. The landmark legislation was designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in areas of public life, including voting access. Title 2 of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to the ballot box, with provisions applying to voter registration, site selection, and the casting of ballots. The ADA is hailed as crucial foundational legislation that led to future advancements in disability. (Department of Justice | Voting and Polling Places)
1993.
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993, also known as the “Motor Voter” Act, helped to enhance voting opportunities for all Americans. (Department of Justice | The National Voter Registration Act Of 1993)
2002.
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 mandated significant reforms to election processes, including increasing access for voters with disabilities. This included accommodations at the voting booth and/or machine, ensuring voters could exercise their right to vote independently and privately. (U.S. Election Assistance Commission | Help America Vote Act)
Assessing the Candidates
It is imperative for voters to thoroughly research candidates using credible resources to ensure that they make informed decisions as they cast their ballots. Voters may be looking at how a candidate aligns with their core values and interests.
Assessing the candidate’s background, policies, as well as tracking their legislative voting records, where applicable, is invaluable. Those casting their ballots can discern who is most likely to effectively represent their interests in the respective positions they seek to hold. Utilizing diverse resources such as websites, news articles, debates, and public records can help voters to evaluate each candidate’s qualifications and stance on key policy issues.
Candidate’s Website
A candidate’s website is the best place to find an outline or overview of their platform, experience and priorities. Politics1.com provides a central repository of all potential candidates by state.
Voting Guides
Voting guides are often crafted by non-partisan organizations and provide information on state ballot initiatives, candidates running for specific elected positions, or sample ballots. Examples of Voter Guides can be found at the Election Assistance Commission. Voting guide information may also be found at votesmart.org and
News Media
Debates, Candidate Forums, and Town Halls
Debates, candidate forums, and town halls are opportunities for voters to engage directly with candidates to discuss positions and ask questions. Candidate schedules are typically listed on their respective websites or by contacting their local offices.
Social Media
Many candidates now use social media as resource to push out their platforms, and in some cases, directly engage with voters via livestreams or through recorded messages. The House of Representatives provides a repository of the members’ Twitter accounts. These members are candidates who are up for re-election every two years.
In the U.S. Senate, senators are elected every six years. A complete list of Senate Twitter accounts can be found through the University of California San Diego Library. These are official Member accounts and may differ in content from separate campaign social media accounts. For candidates who are not incumbents, social media accounts can be found on their respective websites. Information derived from social media should be cross-checked to account for any potential misinformation.
Endorsements
Additionally, pay attention to endorsements. Consider how individuals or organizations whose values align with yours have affiliated themselves with a particular candidate. Information regarding rules and reporting of candidate endorsements is available through the Federal Election Commission or at Ballotpedia.org.
Other
It is imperative to use multiple resources in evaluating a candidate and making an informed decision.
Engage in thoughtful and meaningful discussions among those you know, perhaps even with those who share a different viewpoint than yours. Looking at things from a differing perspective can be thought-provoking and provides additional information in the decision-making process.
Voting Resources
FAQs
When is Election Day this year?
November 5, 2024
How can I find the hours my polling place is open?
Opening and closing times vary by state; for clarity, you may contact your Board of Elections in your respective state. Other resources are also available such as www.ballotpedia.org and www.vote.org, which provide state-by-state data on polling hours of operation.
What are my rights as a voter living with a disability?
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) are core laws that seek to protect the voting rights of those living with a disability. Key among these rights is:
- Accessible polling places which include ramps and accessible voting machines, as well as other physical accommodations (ADA Title II, Sec. 35.151)
- Assistance at the polls from poll workers, family, and friends to assist with the actual act of voting (Help America Vote Act of 2002)
- Accessible voting machines (Help America Vote Act of 2002, Sec. 301)
- Accessible voter information, including the receipt of election information such as registration materials and ballots in an accessible format such as Braille, large print, or audio (ADA Title II, Sec. 35.163)
- Non-discriminatory actions based on one’s disability (ADA Title II, Sec. 202)
- Accessible absentee voting if unable to vote at a polling place (Help America Vote Act of 2002, Sec. 303)
- To vote privately and independently, with assistance if needed, without interference (ADA Title II, Sec. 35.130)
- Accessible voter registration that includes online and in-person processes (ADA Title II, Sec. 35.150)
- To expect that poll workers have been trained in not only how to assist voters with disabilities but also have an awareness of disability requirements (Help America Vote Act of 2002, Sec. 261)
- To file complaints or grievances if they encounter accessibility barriers or discrimination during the voting process. (ADA Title II, Sec. 202)
What accessibility features should be offered at my polling place for voters with disabilities?
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) has established guidelines and minimal standards that address accessibility in every phase of the voting process, including the physical accessibility of polling places.
Accommodations should include, but not be limited to, accessible parking, curbside ramps, adequate width of doors, voting machines that factor in wheelchair use, as well as accessible drop boxes that may be available at some polling places.
How can I confirm these accessibility options are available at the polling place near my home?
You can verify the accessibility of your polling place by contacting your state or local election offices. Contact information can be found on www.usa.gov or www.vote.org. In addition, you could contact the polling place directly to ascertain if they are able to accommodate your accessibility needs.
Can I bring someone with me to help me vote, and to what extent are they able to assist?
Yes, a voter requiring assistance may bring someone to help them vote or request the assistance of a poll worker. At the time of voting, the assistant may go over instructions with the voter, record the voter’s choices, and review the ballot with the voter. Only the voter can sign or mark the ballot. The assistant may not at any time attempt to change or influence the voter’s choices.
Are the polling machines accessible to those who are vision impaired?
Assistive technology is available for those who are blind or have low vision, if voting independently. Moreover, the use of an assistant is available and acceptable.
Can I request to vote absentee or to vote by mail?
Yes, these options are available and would allow you to cast your ballot prior to November 5, 2024. Opting to use one of these options may alleviate possible challenges of voting in person at your designated polling place. In addition, some states even offer curbside voting. More detailed information can be found at www.usa.gov and at www.vote.org.
What is the deadline to request an absentee or mail-in ballot?
These deadlines vary by state. Visit the National Association of Secretaries of State at www.canivote.org or www.vote.org to obtain your state’s deadlines.
How can I get to the polls if I cannot drive, walk, or take public transit?
There are many options available to help people living with a disability get to polling places:
- Accessible transportation services such as paratransit or specialized vans equipped with wheelchair lifts. Contact your local transportation authority or disability services office to inquire about these services. You can view a list of transit agencies and contact information from the American Public Transit Association.
- Ride share companies such as Uber and Lyft may offer wheelchair accessible transportation. Accessible transportation through these companies is not available in every state or locale. It is necessary to inquire ahead of Election Day and to confirm if your specific needs can be met.
- Community or charitable organizations may offer assistance in transporting the elderly or disabled voters to and from the polls.
- Ask your family, friends, or caregiver to take you to the polls. Better yet, set up a carpool with a group of buddies to ensure everyone can make their voices heard on Election Day!
- Remember to research options including mail-in or absentee voting, curbside drop boxes, or early voting. All of these options vary by state. Check with your state Board of Elections to ascertain if these options are available in your respective state.
- Coordinate with your local disability services agency; there are likely direct and/or indirect services available to meet transportation needs.
Are there places to sit, or must I stand physically present in line the whole time?
Availability of seating may depend upon the individual polling place; it may be useful to call ahead and inquire so that you might develop a plan. In addition, some poll workers may usher voters with a disability into the polling location to cast their vote immediately in an effort to alleviate physical challenges from extended wait times.
What if poll workers do not allow me to complete my ballot or deny me required accommodations?
It is imperative that you know your rights as a voter or a voter living with a disability. No one should make any attempt to deny your access to vote. You can obtain a list of accommodations at www.ada.gov. If the poll worker continues to be unyielding, seek resolution through an alternate worker or try to locate the elections supervisor on-site.
If you are unable to cast your ballot at your polling place due to denied accommodations, you may contact the Election Protection Hotline at (866) 687-8683, or your state election office. You may view contact information for state election offices at the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Contact your state’s election office to file a complaint. Typically, complaints may be submitted through an online form from the state or sent by mail. Requirements vary – voters who wish to file a complaint should contact their state directly.