Rosa May Billinghurst (1875-1953) Suffragette and Women's Rights Activist
Voting rights for people with disabilities
Suffrage for Americans with Disabilities
Though great progress has been made to allow disabled people to vote, not everyone with a disability has the right to vote in America. The right to vote varies by state, but even in states where folks with disabilities are allowed to vote, still struggle. Information about candidates, the election process, and polling locations are all still huge issues disabled community members face when voting.
"If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as those without, 2.3 million more disabled people would have cast their vote in the 2018 elections. SO what is keeping us from voting?"
-Imani Barbarin, disabled advocate and voter
Voter suppression
where do we start?
1
find out if you are eligible to vote
New Jersey Law states: "A person cannot be denied the right to vote based on the fact he or she:
â– has a specific disability (intellectual, developmental, physical, or psychiatric)
â– has a legal guardian
â– lives in an institution, group home, supported apartment, or other residential facility serving individuals with disabilities
â– requires the help of an assistance dog
Have a parent, guardian, friend, manager, etc. help you piece through this document so you know which laws protect you!
2
Register to vote
Think you're registered already?
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Have more questions about eligibility?
registration application
Here is what your registration application will look like. You need to fill out each box and then follow the instructions attached to send it in.
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Make sure you read it carefully, or have someone help you fill it out. If you have questions while you are filling it out or get stuck on a box, you can call
1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681) with any questions.
3
Let's vote!!!
When it comes to casting your ballot, you have a few options. Watch the video below to learn about each process and decide which is best for you!
LINKS FROM VIDEO
Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Vote in Person
Things to know before voting in person
Disabled voters often run into issues with polls and their lack of accessibility. Because of that, you should be aware of some of the things you might encounter if you decide to vote in person so you can be prepared and cast your ballot! Remember, you have the RIGHT TO VOTE however you choose!
1
Transportation
Make a plan to get to your polling location ahead of time. Are you taking the bus? A ride service like Lyft or Uber? Is someone driving you? Make sure your plan takes into account traffic, cancellations, time of day, etc.
Accessible Transportation Services:
NJ Transit- Access Link
Lyft
*indicate wheelchair accessible in the app!*
EZ Ride
2
Lines at the polls
Depending on the time of day and the polling place location, lines can be hours long on election day which can be difficult and potentially dangerous for disabled voters. Plan ahead by bringing a chair, and plenty of water and healthy snacks with protein and natural sugars. If the polls close while you are still in line, STAY IN LINE, you can still vote!
3
Inaccessible buildings
Polling locations in New Jersey are required, by law, to be accessible. If you run into a problem entering the building, ask a poll worker for assistance or request an alternative entrance. Then, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE to report the polling location.
4
Denied a ballot
In New Jersey a judge is the ONLY person who can revoke your voting privileges. A poll worker can not turn you away from the polls if they believe you are not 'qualified' to vote. If this happens, call the Disability Rights NJ at 1-800-922-7233 and have them speak with an election official.