November 5, 2024

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.