Voting
For information related to this topic that is provided in American Sign Language (ASL), visit our Voting Videos in ASL page.
For resources for election officials and polling site workers on the rights of voters with disabilities, polling place accessibility, how to interact with voters with disabilities, and more, see our Election Workers Resource page.
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.
Featured Resources
Your Voting Rights and Accommodations
This handout covers what you need to know about alternatives to voting in-person on Election Day. Alternatives include voting by mail, early voting, and curbside voting. Also covered are some important rights and accommodations that you can access. Continue reading Your Voting Rights and Accommodations
Polling Place Accessibility & Ensuring Effective Interaction
This handout covers how to ensure a polling place is accessible and provides tips for effectively interacting with people with disabilities. Continue reading Polling Place Accessibility & Ensuring Effective Interaction
Read more about Polling Place Accessibility & Ensuring Effective Interaction.
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. This handout provides information on the rights of voters with disabilities. Continue reading Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Handouts
ExpressVote Voting System
The ExpressVote Voting System may be used at your polling place during elections. Learn about the technology and get familiar with its features. Continue reading ExpressVote Voting System
Instructions for Hart Touch Voting System
A Hart direct-record electronic (DRE) voting system may be used at your polling place during elections. Get familiar with the system and how to navigate it. Continue reading Instructions for Hart Touch Voting System
COVID-19 Pandemic and Questions about Voting
This handout attempts to answer questions people with disabilities might have related to voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific topics covered include election dates, voting by mail, and early voting. 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. Alternatives covered include vote by mail, voting early, and curbside voting. Continue reading Alternative Voting Options
Understanding Your Texas Voter Registration Certificate
Learn how to understand the Voter Registration Certificate you’ll receive in the mail. This handout will help you use your certificate to identify your precinct, as well as which elections and races you can vote in. 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).
eSlate Instructions for Voters with Visual Impairment
The eSlate is a direct record electronic machine that allows voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently. 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 eSlate Instructions for Voters with Visual Impairment
Read more about eSlate Instructions for Voters with Visual Impairment.
How to Use an Accessible eSlate
Learn about eSlate’s different accessibility features and how to use them. Continue reading How to Use an Accessible eSlate
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 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
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
Publications
Investigative Report – Web Failures: How County Voting Websites Leave Voters with Disabilities in the Dark
Due to various barriers, people with disabilities experience challenges with voting that counties can alleviate by maximizing voter information online. However, through an extensive review, we learned that the great majority of Texas counties were failing to provide equal access to voters with disabilities, effectively shutting them out of civic participation. Continue reading Investigative Report – Web Failures: How County Voting Websites Leave Voters with Disabilities in the Dark
Videos
Voting Rights for the Deaf Community
This video covers everything the deaf community needs to know about voting in Texas, including eligibility, registration, and voting methods. Continue reading Voting Rights for the Deaf Community
Vote For Access Trailer
Vote for Access addresses barriers people with disabilities experience related to voting and how to fix the barriers. This trailer previews the five-episode series. Continue reading Vote For Access Trailer
Vote for Access: Episode 1 – Attitudes
The first episode is all about attitude. Learn why it’s important to know your rights, especially if you need accommodations. Continue reading Vote for Access: Episode 1 – Attitudes
Vote for Access: Episode 2 – Information
Everyone has the right to accessible information. When it comes to voting and elections, accessible information is critical so people with disabilities can learn about candidates and participate in the process. Continue reading Vote for Access: Episode 2 – Information
Vote for Access: Episode 3 – At the Polls
Access to the polls doesn’t stop at the front door of your polling station. You have the right to cast your vote privately, and independently. Continue reading Vote for Access: Episode 3 – At the Polls
Vote for Access: Episode 4 – Alternatives to Polling Places
Voting isn’t just going into a booth and pressing a button, especially if you’re a voter with a disability. Alternative methods exist. Continue reading Vote for Access: Episode 4 – Alternatives to Polling Places
Watch Vote for Access: Episode 4 – Alternatives to Polling Places.
Vote for Access: Episode 5 – Voter Suppression
Voter suppression affects people with disabilities a little differently than other groups. Continue reading Vote for Access: Episode 5 – Voter Suppression
Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
This video covers voting rights and other important information people with disabilities should know about voting. Learn about your right to register to vote, to an accessible polling place, to vote using alternative methods, and more. Continue reading Voting Rights of People with Disabilities
Why Should People With Disabilities Vote?
This video features self-advocates talking about why it’s important for people with disabilities to vote. Reasons provided include having your voice heard, being engaged in your community, and having a say in who leads the government. Continue reading Why Should People With Disabilities Vote?
External Links
- 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
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