How to Assist People with Disabilities at the Polls

Watch our latest video to see Myla Eldridge, Clerk of Marion County, explain how to assist voters with disabilities.
Transcript:
Hi, I’m Myla Eldridge, Clerk of Marion County and we are here at the Marion County Election Board Service Center or as we like to call it—the Brain Center.

We want voters with disabilities to feel heroic when voting, energized, and become more engaged in the election process. It is very important that all voters with a disability are respected and treated fairly when exercising their right to vote. Be mindful that the voter has a disability and allow as much time as needed to ensure the voter is helped in a kind and efficient manner.

Federal law provides all voters the right to vote privately and independently and requires all polling places, entrances, hallways, and equipment to be accessible and is required to comply with ADA—the Americans with Disabilities Act. State law permits voters with disabilities and those unable to read and write English to request assistance inside the voting booth when filling out a ballot card.

Remember to always be patient, courteous, and considerate of first time voters and voters with disabilities needing extra time to vote.

Be professional when communicating with a disabled voter. Speak directly to the voter and not to the person who is accompanying the voter. Speak clearly, calmly, and slowly to those who may have loss of hearing. It’s a great idea to have pen and paper on hand in case communicating verbally is not possible. Greet voters with visual impairments by telling them who and where you are. Also provide guiding tools such as a ruler or card when having them sign the voter registration poll book. You should always ask permission before helping to physically guide voters or push a voter in a wheelchair.

Voters at polling places where new equipment has been introduced may require additional assistance.

Polling places are equipped to accommodate the needs of voters with disabilities by providing clearly marked parking spaces, accessible entrances, and ramps and well-marked routes pointing the way to the voting location. Polling places also have voting equipment that ensures every voter is given the same opportunity for access, participation, privacy, and independence.

When helping a voter with a disability, we are committed to providing excellent customer service to the voter so they leave with a sense of pride, knowing they participated in democracy.

#HoosiersVote