Voting
Resources for People with Disabilities
Disability Rights Texas employs staff specialists responsible for a wide variety of activities such as training people with disabilities on voting rights, surveying polling places, working with election officials, and responding to legislative inquiries. In addition to these year-round activities, DRTx runs a special toll-free Voter Rights Hotline to answer questions, respond to legal violations, and troubleshoot problems.
We help ensure that Texans with disabilities can:
- Register to vote
- Access polling places
- Cast a ballot
- File a complaint if excluded from any part of the voting process
Problems voting or registering to vote? Questions about voters with disabilities?
Call our hotline at 1-888-796-VOTE (8683)
(Please note that this phone number is for voting issues only and not for service requests.)
These resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
Election Worker Resources
Click on the image below for resources for election officials and polling site workers,
Featured Resources
Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
You have the right to vote whether you have a disability or not, as long as you are registered to vote in Texas. If your voting rights are violated because of a disability, contact Disability Rights Texas at 1-888-796-VOTE (8683).This handout provides information on the rights of voters with disabilities. Continue reading Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Voter ID in Texas
What identification you need to vote in Texas, and what to do if you are a person with a disability who does not have one of the required photo IDs. Continue reading Voter ID in Texas
Handouts
COVID-19 Pandemic and Questions about Voting
Disability Rights Texas Handout Created: 4/22/2020 Updated 6/26/2020 Publication Code: HA29 COVID-19 Pandemic and Questions about Voting This handout can be made available in Braille or audio file upon request. Disability Rights Texas has created this handout to help clarify answers to questions about voting arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Have elections been postponed? When… Continue reading COVID-19 Pandemic and Questions about Voting
Read more about COVID-19 Pandemic and Questions about Voting.
Alternative Voting Options
Alternatives for people without access to traditional voting methods. Continue reading Alternative Voting Options
Understanding Your Texas Voter Registration Certificate
This handout on Understanding Your Texas Voter Registration Certificate © LWV-Richardson 2005 Continue reading Understanding Your Texas Voter Registration Certificate
Read more about Understanding Your Texas Voter Registration Certificate.
Understanding HB 658 for Residential Care Facilities
Under a new state law (House Bill 658), when residential care facilities (RCFs) request five or more absentee ballots, counties are required to send election judges to deliver the ballots during early voting and oversee voting at those homes, providing assistance if necessary. This handout provides information to help RCFs with the new process. Continue reading Understanding HB 658 for Residential Care Facilities
Read more about Understanding HB 658 for Residential Care Facilities.
Polling Place Accessibility Survey Short Version
A brief survey for voters, poll workers, or election officials to complete to determine if their polling site is accessible to people with disabilities. Continue reading Polling Place Accessibility Survey Short Version
Read more about Polling Place Accessibility Survey Short Version.
Accessible Voting for People with Visual Disabilities
The eSlate is a direct record electronic machine that any voter may use though it is provided to allow voters with disabilities, including those who are blind, mobility impaired or lack upper-body dexterity, to vote privately and independently. The eSlate will be in a booth that is wheelchair accessible. This handout gives specific instructions for eSlate users who have a visual impairment and who will be using the audio function to cast their ballot. Continue reading Accessible Voting for People with Visual Disabilities
Read more about Accessible Voting for People with Visual Disabilities.
eSlate Instructions for Use
Instructions for using an eSlate. Continue reading eSlate Instructions for Use
Video Demos of Voting Machine Accessibility Features
List of links to various YouTube videos that demonstrate the use of voting machine accessibility features for people with disabilities. Continue reading Video Demos of Voting Machine Accessibility Features
Read more about Video Demos of Voting Machine Accessibility Features.
Voter ID Exemption – Proving Disability
If you are a voter with a disability that does not have a photo ID, find out how you can get a permanent exemption from the photo ID requirement. Continue reading Voter ID Exemption – Proving Disability
Basic Guide to Polling Place Accessibility
How to check if a polling place is accessible and in compliance with the law. Continue reading Basic Guide to Polling Place Accessibility
Provisional Ballots
When and how to use a provisional ballot in Texas. Continue reading Provisional Ballots
Voting Rights for People with Disabilities Picture Book
This easy-to-read book provides people with disabilities information about their voting rights. Continue reading Voting Rights for People with Disabilities Picture Book
Read more about Voting Rights for People with Disabilities Picture Book.
How to Register to Vote in Texas
Information on how to register to vote in Texas. Continue reading How to Register to Vote in Texas
Videos
Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
… Continue reading Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Why Should People With Disabilities Vote?
… Continue reading Why Should People With Disabilities Vote?
Related Items
- How COVID-19 is Changing Elections in Texas, and What it Means for Voters with Disabilities
- Harris County, DOJ reach settlement over poll access for voters with disabilities
- The ID You Need to Vote in Texas
- Kick Your Vote to the Curb
- How to Skip Long Lines at the Polls
- Texas Advocacy Groups Partner to Increase Awareness and Voter Turnout of Disability Community
External Links
- 2020 Election Vote for Access Video Series
- Early Voting Information
- Find Out If You Are Registered to Vote
- List of county election officials
- Request a voter registration application
- Request an application for ballot by mail
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission
A comprehensive list of resources for voters with disabilities