Voting rights: Federal laws protecting voters with disabilities

Americans with disabilities, including autism, are entitled to vote – and should vote. Your voice matters and exercising your right to vote is a cornerstone of United States democracy. Your ability to vote is protected by federal laws, and there are accommodations available to you. If you are reading this for someone who cannot read or write, federal law ensures they can vote, too.

These laws, include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 say the following:

Voters with disabilities have the right to:

Polling places must have:

  • Wheelchair-accessible voting booths
  • Entrances and doorways at least 32 inches wide
  • Handrails on all stairs
  • Voting equipment for people who are blind or visually impaired.

If you have a disability, you may:

  • Seek help from poll workers trained to use an accessible voting machine, or
  • Never be asked to take a test to see if you can vote.

Each state also has its own layer of protection for voters with disabilities to ensure equal access to voting. To find out what your state is doing, check out our Voter registration guide by state. Click your state and then click the ‘Voting assistance for those with disabilities’ link underneath it. 

Learn more about the federal laws that protect your ability to vote with Know Your Voting Rights from the Department of Justice.

What to do if something goes wrong on Election Day

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

If necessary, you can find a protection and advocacy agency in your state through the National Disability Rights Network.

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