Accessible guides and information on your rights and options as a voter with a disability

It’s important that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to vote.

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, we want to highlight the resources available to help people with disabilities cast their ballots.

• The Arc has helpful voting resources, including a Disability Voter Guide in plain language in English and Spanish on how voting works, how to register to vote, how to help others vote and more. You can also find sample questions for candidates and a guide about issues that affect the disability community. Visit https://thearc.org/vote/.
  
• The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has an Election Engagement Hub that provides information and tools for disabled voters to engage as meaningfully as possible in their state, local and federal elections. You can find state-by-state voting guides, plain language definitions of voting words and more. AAPD also has the REV UP Voting Campaign, which aims to build the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations.
  
• The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to prepare to vote and how to get accommodations when voting. It also explains the difference between a primary election and a general election and how the Electoral College works.
  
• Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities make sure their voice is heard at the polls. The checklist explains how to learn about elections in your area, your rights as a voter with a disability,  what to do if your rights are being violated and more. You can also download a voting resource card to take with you to the polls.
  
• Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and polling places. The website also includes information about transportation to the polls and the Be My Eyes app that helps people who are blind or have vision impairments with voting.
  
• The National Association of the Deaf has a voter information hotline to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with questions about voting.
  
• The National Federation of the Blind has guides for voters who are blind and information about accessibility and the Help America Vote Act.

You can also find these tools and guides in our online Resource Directory.

Everyone’s voice matters, and there are ways to make sure your vote counts!

Accessible guides and information on your rights and options as a voter with a disability

Election Day will be here soon. Voting is a meaningful way you can have a say in what happens in your community and government.

If you or a loved one need accommodations or have questions about your rights, there are several resources to help you at the polls:

• The Arc has a Disability Voter Guide that includes information in plain English and Spanish on how voting works, how to register to vote, how to help others vote and more. Visit https://thearc.org/vote for the guide and other helpful resources.
  
• The American Association of People with Disabilities has a voting information hub that includes answers to common voting questions from voters with disabilities, state-by-state voting guides and more.
  
• The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to prepare to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.
  
• Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to explain your rights, what to do if your rights are being violated and more.
  
• The National Association of the Deaf has a voter information hotline to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with questions about voting.
  
• The National Federation of the Blind has guides for voters who are blind and information about accessibility and the Help America Vote Act.

If you have questions or need help finding more resources, contact us at (800) 322-3722 or email dscc@uic.edu.

Learn more about your rights and options with USAGov’s Guide for Voters with a Disability.

Election Day is right around the corner. Do you know if your polling place is accessible? Do you need accommodations?

USAGov has developed a step-by-step guide to help you plan accordingly and know your rights before heading to the polls.

The Guide for Voters with a Disability provides helpful suggestions, including calling your local elections office in advance to find out what accessible accommodations are available at your polling place.

You can also go to Vote.gov to register to vote or check if your registration is up-to-date