Your Vote Matters: Accessibility at the Polls

Election Day is right around the corner. On Tuesday, November 3, U.S. voters will cast their ballots in the midterm elections to choose members of Congress and governors in several states.

Voting is one of our most important rights in a democracy. It gives people a voice in decisions that affect their lives and communities. But many disabled people still face barriers to voting because voting locations, technology, and processes are not always accessible. Other marginalized communities also face barriers that can make it harder to vote.

That is why Relay Resources was proud to be the presenting and accessibility sponsor for this year's League of Minority Voters State of Civil Rights Forum. The event brought together local leaders from both political parties to discuss civil rights in the United States. Candidates for governor, Congress, and secretary of state joined more than 150 leaders from politics, faith communities, businesses, and immigration advocacy organizations for discussions about civil rights and barriers to equal participation.

Disability rights and civil rights are connected, and we're proud to support forums that protect our rights and address barriers preventing people from making their voices heard. Voting has long been an important issue for the disability community. In this post, we look at the history of accessible voting and how disabled people can exercise their right to vote.

Voting Rights Through Time

Disabled people have historically voted at lower rates than nondisabled people, and many still face barriers to voting. A 2026 Center for American Progress article, "Mapping Disabled Americans' Access to Democracy," found that states passed 79 laws between 2021 and 2024 that made voting more difficult. These included laws in Texas and Georgia limiting who could help disabled and older voters complete and return their ballots.

In the past, some people assumed people with intellectual disabilities could not understand how to vote or make their own voting decisions. Over time, several federal laws were passed to protect voting rights and make voting more accessible.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 allowed voters to get help from a person of their choice. It also made it illegal to require voters to pass reading or other tests before they could vote. Other important laws followed, including the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

After the 2000 election, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act in 2002. This law requires each polling location to have at least one accessible voting machine. These machines must allow disabled people, including blind and low vision voters, to vote privately and independently.

Mail-In Voting and Knowing Your Rights

Mail-in ballots and ballot drop-off locations have made voting easier for many disabled people. In the 2022 general election, 42% of disabled voters voted by mail, compared to 35% of nondisabled voters.

Many states allow people to request mail-in ballots for reasons such as work, travel, illness, or disability. However, voting rules and deadlines vary by state. Be sure to check your state's voter registration and mail-in ballot deadlines. You can find your state's election dates and deadlines here.

Even with laws that protect voting rights, accessibility problems can still happen. Some polling locations may have outdated equipment or election staff who do not know how to use accessible voting machines. This is why it's important for disabled voters to know their rights.

A voting rights guide from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the National Disability Rights Network, and the law firm McDermott Will & Schulte explains the rights of disabled voters and what to do if they face barriers.

Even with accessible voting machines and mail-in ballots, some disabled voters, including people with cerebral palsy or spinal injuries that affect their ability to use their hands, may need help marking their ballots. Some people must tell another person their voting choices out loud, which can make it difficult to vote privately.

Because of these barriers, many advocates have called for online voting options that could allow more disabled people to vote independently.

How You Can Help

With the November elections approaching, make sure you are registered and have a plan to vote. Check your state's voting deadlines, find out what voting options are available, and learn about your rights. Voting gives people a voice in decisions affecting their lives. Making voting accessible helps ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy.

Relay Resources was proud to serve as the Presenting and Accessibility Sponsor of the League of Minority Voters' State of Civil Rights Forum. At the sold-out event, we provided an Accessibility Help Desk and accommodations to help make important conversations about civil rights more accessible.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the forum! If you were unable to attend, you can still support the League of Minority Voters' work to protect voting rights and increase civic participation.