Voting with a disability

Your ability to vote is protected by law, and there are accommodations available to you. 
 

A person in a wheelchair receives voting materials.

Whether you vote in person or by mail, you have a right to accessibility accommodations. 

Choose a registration option that works for you

Register online: Most states allow you to register to vote and update your voter registration online. Select your state to see if your state offers online registration. Your state must make sure that election websites are easy to use for people of all abilities.

Register by mail: You can download, print, and submit the National Mail Voter Registration Form in every state except New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The form is available in many languages. Ask a friend or family member to help you fill out the form, if needed.

Register in person: You can register at several types of government offices, including:

  • State and local election offices
  • State motor vehicles offices
  • Public assistance and disability offices
  • Some libraries
  • On some college and university campuses

You can bring someone to help you register, if needed.

Accessibility accommodations when voting in person 

When you vote in person, you have a right to ask for accessibility accommodations that make it easy for you to vote. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) checklist on polling place accessibility has information about what you can ask for.

Examples of accessibility accommodations protected by law include:

  • Service animal support
  • Someone to help you vote (cannot be your employer or union representative)
  • Handrails on all stairs at the voting location
  • Accessible parking 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.
  • Poll workers to help you use accessible voting devices

You can also contact your state or local election office before Election Day to confirm your voting location has the accessibility accommodations you need. When you talk to them, be clear about what you need to make voting easy for you. You may also be able to ask for a ballot in your language or an alternative format (such as large print or audio).

If you learn that your voting location is not accessible to you, ask your election office about other available options. You may be able to:

  • Vote through curbside voting, where a poll worker brings everything you need to vote to your car 
  • Vote at a different voting location that is accessible

Accommodations for voting by mail or absentee

In many states, you can choose to vote absentee if your voting location is not accessible for you, you’ll be traveling on Election Day, or if it makes more sense for you to vote from home. Ask for an absentee ballot in your state. Some states hold elections entirely by mail. 

Here are some examples of accommodations that may be available while voting by mail in your state:

  • Voting materials in an alternative format, such as large print or audio
  • Alternate signature requirements, such as typing your signature
  • An accessible remote ballot marking system. This option allows you to mark a ballot electronically, print it out, and then mail it or bring it back to your election office.

Make sure to have a plan to return your ballot. Depending on state laws, you can return by mail, drop box, or have someone return the ballot for you. ​​Electronic ballot return is another option that may be available in your state. This option lets you send your ballot back through email, fax, or an online portal.  ​ ​​ ​​

More tips and resources for voters with disabilities

If you believe that you were discriminated against because of your disability when voting, report your experience to the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Federal laws protect your right to vote

Several federal laws protect the registration and voting rights of Americans with disabilities:

Learn more about the federal laws that protect your ability to vote in the Know Your Voting Rights guide (PDF) from the DOJ.

Ready to vote?

Find voter registration deadlines

There is no national voter registration deadline. In some states, the last day to register is 30 days before Election Day. In other states, you can register on Election Day. Election Day refers to any election (local, state, or a national election). Find voter registration deadlines in your state. 

Voter ID requirements

Each state and territory sets its own voter ID rules. In most states, you must bring your identification to vote in person and provide ID information when you vote by mail. Check your state’s voter ID requirements.

You can get an ID card at your state motor vehicle office, even if you do not drive. You will need to pay to get an ID card, but there are organizations that may be able to help you with ID-related fees.

You do not need a voter registration card to vote.

Language support

If English isn't your primary language and you want to vote in a different language, you can ask for help. Contact your state or local election office to find out what kind of support is available in your language, such as: 

  • Voting information and materials (such as ballots) in your language
  • A poll worker who can communicate with you in your language (including American Sign Language)
  • A family member or friend who can help translate for you at your voting location

Sign up to be a poll worker

Support your community by becoming a paid poll worker. Poll worker duties are different depending on where you live. Many local election offices have poll workers do tasks such as:  

  • Set up a voting location 

  • Welcome voters 

  • Confirm voter registration 

  • Hand out ballots  

  • Help voters use voting equipment 

  • Explain voting procedures 

As a poll worker, you will be paid for your time. Pay varies depending on location. Learn more about how to become a poll worker.