Global Initiative to Enfranchise People with Disabilities: United States - www.electionaccess.org Text Only Version
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United States

General:
• Electoral law exists on a state level. For information on individual states, click here.

Specific Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Disability Law:
(Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990)

Voter Assistance by Other Citizens
(Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act)
• Section 5, subsection (a) states, "Each State shall make available registration and voting aids for Federal elections for handicapped and elderly individuals, including (1) instructions, printed in large type, conspicuously displayed at each permanent registration facility and each polling place and (2) information by telecommunications devices for the deaf."

Off-Site Voting Alternatives
(Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act)
• Section 5, subsection (b) states, "No notarization or medical certification shall be required of a handicapped voter with respect to an absentee ballot or an application for such ballot, except that medical certification may be required when the certification establishes eligibility, under State law - (1) to automatically receive an application or a ballot on a continuing basis; or (2) to apply for an absentee ballot after the deadline has passed.

Promotes Access
(Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act)
• Section 3, subsection (a) states, "Within each State, except as provided in subsection (b), each political subdivision responsible for conducting elections shall assure that all polling places for Federal elections are accessible to handicapped and elderly voters."
• Section 3, subsection (b) states, "Subsection (a) shall not apply to a polling place (1) in the case of an emergency, as determined by the chief election officer of the State; or (2) if the chief election officer of the State- (A) determines that all potential polling places have been surveyed and no such accessible place is available, nor is the political subdivision able to make one temporarily accessible, in the area involved; and (B) assures that any handicapped or elderly voter assigned to an inaccessible polling place, upon advance request of such voter (pursuant to procedures established by the chief election officer of the State) - (i) will be assigned to an accessible polling place, or (ii) will be provided with an alternate means for casting a ballot on the day of the election."

 
  Laws and Regulations:  A country-by-country analysis of election laws, constitutions and regulations, and how these affect citizens with disabilities.
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  Best Practices: IFES and other groups have implemented innovative practices around the world.
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