U.S. Elections - Guide for American Voters with Disabilities

Picture going to your polling location on Election Day and not being able to get into the building. Imagine depending on someone else getting you to the polls to be able to vote. Consider the frustration of being handed a ballot and not being able to see what's on it.

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This Election Day, millions of Americans will visit a polling location to exercise their constitutional right to vote. For most, it's something that takes little effort. But for one in five Americans, voting can involve more planning and research because they have a disability.

Learn how you or a loved one with a disability can prepare for Election Day with this guide from USA.Gov

• Know your rights

  Learn your basic accessibility rights at the polling place. It's important to know what each location is required to provide by law, and who to contact if those accommodations are not available.

• Bring a voting buddy

  Federal law allows you to bring another person to help you vote if you are blind or have another disability.

• Reach out to the election office folks

  Contact your local election officials before Election Day to find out if your polling place is accessible for your needs, and learn about other options that may be available in your state, like:

  Curbside voting--a poll worker brings all voting materials to your car

  Mobile polling places at long-term care facilities

  Local organizations that support people with disabilities by providing transportation to the polls and identifying the accessibility of polling places

• Absentee voting or early voting

Don't let disability challenges keep you from making your voice heard in the 2016 election. Get informed and plan ahead. And if there's a loved one or someone you know with a disability, reach out and see if there's something you can do to help on November 8.

Learn more about getting ready for Election Day with USAGov's guide: Five Things to Know Before You Vote.

Stay up-to-date with VoteUSA, USAGov's year-long effort to help Americans become more informed about the 2016 election.

Join the conversation using #VoteUSA or by following USAGov on Facebook and Twitter.