Voting Rights: Disability Accommodations in Texas

Texas voters with disabilities: Know your rights

The right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy. Yet, throughout history, many have fought for their voting rights. People of color, for instance, faced institutional barriers until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and women couldn't vote until the 19th Amendment in 1920. Today, Texans with disabilities continue this fight.

Texas was the first state to mandate that all new voting systems comply with physical disability accessibility standards, back in 1999. Here's what you need to know to exercise your right to vote in the upcoming Nov. 5 election:

Help America Vote Act (HAVA)

• Enacted in 2002 to improve voting systems and access.
• Introduced provisional voting, better voting info, modern equipment, and streamlined registrations.
• More info

Voting options for people with disabilities:

• Citizens with disabilities have the right to vote privately and unassisted at accessible polling places with proper machines.
• They can request poll worker assistance or bring their own helper, sans employers/union agents.
• An assistant can also be an interpreter for non-English speakers or sign language users. Request beforehand.
• Polling place requirements: wheelchair-accessible booths, wide entrances, handrails, and equipment for visually impaired voters.

Early and mail-in voting:

• Early voting: begins 17 days before Election Day, same procedures.
• Mail-in voting: for elderly/disabled. Apply 11 days pre-election and provide ID (driver's license, state ID, last 4 SSN digits).

Curbside voting:

• Each Texas polling place must offer it, with a marked space and assistance request info.
• An officer brings the ballot, and voters can mark and return it themselves or via companion.
• Available during early voting and on Election Day. Details

Full info on Texas disability voting here. Know your rights, and ensure your voice is heard.