Voters with Disabilities

 

As a voter with a disability, you can request a reasonable accommodation or assistance to vote. The Office of the Secretary of State is committed to ensuring accessibility at voting centers, and that you have the opportunity to vote privately and independently.

Voting centers must meet all of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. View the ADA checklist for voting centers for more information.

Here's guidance for Voting in Assisted Living Facilities. *NEW*

To request a reasonable accommodation or assistance, contact your county elections department.

Accessible Voters’ Pamphlet

Accessible formats of the voters' pamphlet are available online. If you wish to receive a copy of the Voters' Pamphlet on USB drive, join the subscription list. For special requests or bulk subscriptions please contact the voter hotline at (800) 448-4881 or email [email protected]

Accessible voting units

Accessible voting units (AVUs) are available starting 18 days before Election Day, until 8 p.m. on Election Day. For specific dates that AVU voting is available at your county elections department, see voter dates and deadlines. Every county must have at least one AVU at each voting center. AVUs must be wheelchair-accessible and screened from other voters to maintain privacy.

An AVU presents your ballot on a monitor. You select choices by touching the screen, using a select wheel, or by using a tool. You can use headphones to listen to the text and prompts on your ballot. Most machines can also be fitted with sip-and- puff tools.

Assistance voting your ballot

If you are unable to cast a ballot due to a disability, you may designate a person of your choice, or two election officers, to enter the voting booth and record the votes as you direct.

A person who has a guardian may still be able to vote and should not be turned away from a voting center by an election worker. Guardianship papers indicate if an individual has the right to vote. If there is ever doubt about a person’s voting status, the person should be issued a provisional ballot to vote with.

Accessibility concerns

If you are concerned about the accessibility of a voting center, contact your county elections department or contact the Office of the Secretary of State's Elections Division at (800) 448- 4881.

Additional information for voters with disabilities

Accessibility services and information

Accessibility in your county

  • ADA checklist for voting centers
  • Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) by county
  • Disability Advisory Committees

    • Disability Advisory Committees are made up of people with disabilities, disability community advocates, and service providers. The committees provide county elections departments with input regarding reasonable accommodations that help ensure equal access so that all registered voters can vote independently and privately (RCW 29A.04.223).

    • If you are interested in joining your local Disability Advisory Committee, please contact your county elections department.

Other accessibility resources