You may be aware that you have voting rights in general, but it’s important to know what these specific rights are and how these rights are implemented by poll workers. This awareness will help you know what to ask for and what to expect if you’re facing voting challenges.

Because each state adds its own layer of protection and its own way of interpreting guidelines, US Vote can help you understand which accommodations you are entitled to when you vote in your state. 

Each state has a mix of options for Americans to access ballots and return ballots. These options may include voting in person at a polling location, mailing in a ballot, using a drop box, having someone return your ballot for you, or voting using accessible equipment from home.

US Vote's Resource Guides can help increase your awareness of accessible options so that you can select the method that is most appealing to you. 

You are allowed to have someone help you if you need assistance. This help should be provided in a manner that allows you to cast a private and independent vote. US Vote will explain your state’s rules about which people are allowed to help you vote in person or help you return a mail-in/absentee ballot.

Rules in some states have recently changed, so US Vote can make sure you are up-to-date with new regulations about signature, identification, witness and notary requirements.

Every state must follow federal laws to accommodate disabled voters, but some states provide additional accommodations to facilitate your vote. It’s important to see the opportunities your state offers you so that your voting process can proceed as smoothly as possible.

Mail-in ballots and absentee ballots have all the candidates and questions that appear on the ballots people use when they’re voting in-person. You can fill in your mail-in ballot or absentee ballot ahead of time instead of filling out the ballot in person on Election Day at a polling location.

Some states let any voter mail in a ballot for every election, whereas other states use mail-in ballots as a form of absentee voting if the voter can’t come to the polling location during regular voting hours. Some states have other options beyond mail-in ballots for absentee voting (such as voting in person at an early voting center). 

When you have a disability, there are special circumstances that entitle you to use mail-in, absentee, or other forms of remote voting. In some states, you apply for these options each year, whereas in other states, you can get on a permanent list for each election.

Each state has its own procedure to help make the ballot accessible to you through such options as screen readers or large font. US Vote will show you which options your state makes available to you if you have a print disability.

There are a variety of providers that states contract to provide accessible equipment. Find out which types of equipment and which types of modifications your state offers so that you can get prepared to use them. US Vote’s resources will enable you to vote with more ease and increased familiarity so that you can focus on the election instead of the method used to vote.

Self-advocacy can be really empowering, but you might need additional support. US Vote can help connect you with your local election official or our Help Desk to assist you in addressing concerns or answering questions you may have about voting with your personal circumstance.

If you encounter a voting problem related to your disability, you can trust the National Disability Rights Network to advocate for you and protect your rights.

Please ask us a question or tell us how we can improve our disability resources. Our US Vote Voter Help Desk is available to further assist you personally and improve our voter services.