Voting information and resources for people with disabilities

A study of the 2020 election conducted by Rutgers University found that disabled voter participation was 5.7% lower than nondisabled voters. Removing barriers so people with disabilities are able to vote at the same rate as people without disabilities would mean that there would be roughly 1.75 million more votes cast in the presidential election.

Billions of dollars are spent each year on intellectual and developmental disability services on the federal and state level and countless decisions on such programs are made by elected officials. All voters with autism and other I/DDs deserve a say in those matters. Yet, 11% of disabled voters reported difficulty voting in the last presidential election.

If you’re a voter with a disability or need access to language or safety accommodations, learn about your rights and the resources available to you before Election Day on November 5.  

Voter Registration 

If you are already a registered voter, it’s a good idea to ensure that your voter registration information is up to date. You can register to vote, confirm your registration details or update your registration here. 

If you are not registered to vote, be aware of the registration deadline – which varies by state. You can find your state’s voter deadline here. While some states require registration weeks in advance of the election, 23 offer same day voter registration.

 Learn more about voting eligibility here.  

Voting with a Disability 

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. This includes ensuring accessibility all throughout the voting process, including voter registration and early voting. Other laws provide additional specific requirements: 

Accessible Voting Machines 

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 requires at least one accessible voting machine at each polling place in federal elections. This voting system must provide the same degree of privacy and independence as other voting systems do. Poll workers are trained to use these machines and can provide assistance if you need it. 

Physical Accessibility Requirements 

The ADA requires polling places to have wheelchair accessible voting booths, handrails on all stairs, accessible parking places, and entrances and doorways that are at least 32 inches wide.   

Right to Bring Someone with You 

The Voting Rights Act gives you the right to bring someone with you to help you vote as long as that person is not your employer or union representative.  

Language Access 

If you anticipate facing language barriers in the voting process, the Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections, available in over 11 languages, may be helpful.  

Enforcement 

If you are not provided adequate accommodations, you may report the possible violation of the federal voting rights laws tothe Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division online.  

If you are a voter with a mental disability, refer to this guide to learn more about your rights. 

If you would like to know about the specific accommodations your voting location offers, contact your state or local election office.

Voting Options: 

Once you are registered, there are multiple ways to cast your ballot. While you may vote at your polling place in person on Election Day (find your polling location here), your state may also offer vote-by-mail and/or early voting. Each option has different deadlines, so don’t forget to identify key dates when you make your voting plan by checking the deadlines here. 

Vote By Mail 

Vote-by-mail (also known as absentee voting) enables you to vote using a ballot that your elections office sends to you instead of going to the polls on Election Day. In some states, you may have to provide a reason for why you cannot vote in person to get an absentee ballot. In other states, such as California, ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters.  

You may return your vote-by-mail ballot in person at your local election office, in the regular mail or at an official ballot drop box. If you want to return your ballot via mail, remember to check the receipt deadline. Click here to find out the vote-by-mail guidelines and deadlines in your state. 

Early Voting 

Many states offer the option to vote in person before Election Day. Polling places may be crowded on Election Day, so early voting saves you from having to wait in a long line. It also allows you to vote on a different day if you’re unable to make it to the polls on November 5. To learn about the early voting options available to you, visit the National Conference of State Legislature website. 

 Safety Resources

If you are facing domestic violence, sexual assault, or would like to vote with a confidential address for other reasons, check your state or local election office website to learn about the resources available to you.

For example, California’s Safe at Home program allows you to register with a confidential address if you are concerned about your safety. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Voting Identification Requirements 

Some states, like California and Illinois, do not require voters to show any ID before casting a ballot. However, there are exceptions to these rules, especially for first-time voters. Other states, like Hawaii, require all voters to show ID to vote. If you cannot provide ID at the polls in one of the states that require it, there are often provisions in place to assist you in accessing your right to vote. Find out whether you are required to bring ID to vote and which forms of ID are valid in your state.  

Ensuring that voters with I/DD are able to have their voices heard is crucial for a truly representative democracy. By understanding your rights, knowing the resources available to you and actively participating in the electoral process, you can help bridge the gap in voter turnout. As Election Day approaches on November 5, take the time to prepare and advocate for your needs. Together, we look to work toward a more inclusive and equitable voting landscape for everyone.