Voting Rights for People with Disabilities in Texas
Voting is a fundamental right, and in Texas, efforts are ongoing to ensure that individuals with disabilities can exercise this right fully and effectively. The state has implemented various measures to enhance accessibility and support for voters with varying needs.
Understanding the Landscape
In Texas, the right to vote is protected by both state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). These laws mandate that all polling places be accessible and that voting systems accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility Measures
Texas provides a range of resources to ensure that voters with disabilities can participate in elections. Key features include:
- Accessible Polling Locations: Polling places are required to meet accessibility standards. This includes accessible parking, entrances, and voting machines designed for various disabilities.
- Assistance at the Polls: Voters can bring someone to assist them, or they can request assistance from poll workers. This ensures that everyone can navigate the voting process comfortably.
- Curbside Voting: For those unable to enter a polling place, Texas offers curbside voting, allowing individuals to vote from their vehicle with the help of election officials.
Voting by Mail
For many with disabilities, voting by mail may be a preferred option. Texas allows voters with disabilities to request mail-in ballots, providing an alternative that can alleviate the challenges of in-person voting. It’s essential for voters to check the specific eligibility requirements and procedures for obtaining a mail-in ballot.
For more information and detailed instructions to request and complete a mailed ballot please visit: https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/handout/your-voting-rights-and-accommodations/
Advocacy and Support
Voting is a right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Ongoing vigilance and advocacy are necessary to continue improving access to voting for everyone.
Resources:
League of Women Voters of Texas
E4Texas Votes
E4Texas has joined forces with Longhorn TIES and UT Housing and Dining to support our neurodivergent students going to the polls this month. Voting for the first time or on a campus as large as UT Austin can be overwhelming and intimidating. No matter who or what you vote for, please join us on October 25th to walk to the polls TOGETHER!
If you have any voting questions or concerns call:
For English call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
For Spanish call 888-Ve-Y-Vota (839-8682)
For English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog
call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
For Arabic call 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
For American Sign Language (video call) call 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683)