People with Disabilities;

   VOICE YOUR CHOICE  --- VOTE

           Voter Registration and Voting Rights

Am I eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote in Washington if you are:

How do I register to vote?

To be eligible to vote, you must register to vote BEFORE the election.  You can mail in your registration or you can register in person at your County Auditors office. 

What else is WPAS doing about disability rights and voting? 

WPAS partnered with the state Centers for Independent Living in 2004 to conduct a statewide survey about the accessibility of polling places.  You can read the final report on the survey by clicking on one of the links below:

I'm excited about voting.  What are my rights and responsibilities? 

WPAS has created a "Bill of Rights" for people with disabilities.  As a citizen of the United States, you have a right to register and to vote.  However, citizens with disabilities often face barriers when voting.  Fortunately, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Washington State Anti-Discrimination Law, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) require that these barriers be removed. You should know your rights so you can exercise them!

ANYONE CAN VOTE (ALMOST)!  All registered voters can vote unless a judge has decided to take their right to vote away because of guardianship or their civil rights have not been restored after being convicted of a felony. {WA. State Const. Art. 6, Sec. 3, RCW 29A.08.520, RCW 29A.04.079}

PRIVACY, PLEASE!  You have a right to vote privately.  To ensure privacy, there should be at least one accessible, electronic voting machine that can be used by persons with visual disabilities in all polling places by January 1, 2006. {RCW 29A.44.240, HAVA § 301(a)(3)(B)}

PONY EXPRESS IT!  Any registered voter may request an ongoing “absentee” ballot.  The absentee ballot is mailed to the voter, who then fills it out and mails it back. You don’t have to give a reason to vote absentee – anyone can do it. {RCW 29A.40.010-020}   

NO SIGNATURE, NO PROBLEM!  If you are unable to sign your own name, you can still vote when another registered voter identifies you.  You may also choose to fill out a provisional ballot instead. {RCW 29A.44.120}

THE MORE, THE MERRIER!  If needed, voters may seek help from someone of their own choice.  Voters may also bring into the voting booth any printed or written materials to assist them in voting. {RCW 29A.44.240, RCW 29A.44.030}

SHOW ME A SIGN!  Voter pamphlets and other information about candidates should be available in alternate formats like audio tape, Braille, large print, and telecommunications.  This information should also be clearly visible at all polling places and be written in clear, readable type on reasonably sized paper. {RCW 29A.44.140, RCW 29A.32.010, RCW 29A.32.070, and HAVA § 302(b)}

CLEAR A PATH!  All voting places should be barrier-free, with wheelchair ramps, a clear path of travel, and designated parking for people with disabilities.  Candidate forums and other events should also be barrier-free.  {RCW 29A.16.020 and ADA Accessibility Guidelines}

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!  All poll workers should be trained in how to communicate effectively and respectfully with people with a variety of disabilities.  If you are not treated with respect – complain! {HAVA – WA State Plan}

THE CLUTCH PERFORMER!  Sometimes there are last-minute problems with voting. For example, you might move just before the election so your name isn’t yet on the list of registered voters. Or, your absentee ballot might be lost in the mail. Whatever the reason, you can ask for a “provisional ballot” at your polling place. Using the provisional ballot, you can go ahead and cast your vote.  Later, a decision will be made about whether or not you were entitled to vote, and whether or not your vote should be counted. You should never lose your right to vote because of a last minute mistake! And, you have a right to know whether or not your vote was counted.  Remember – if there is uncertainty about your voting status, ask for a provisional ballot!  {HAVA § 302(a)}

A SECOND CHANCE!  You may vote again if you incorrectly marked your first ballot. {RCW 29A.44.040}

COMPLAIN AND CONFRONT!   Every polling place must post a complaint process. You can complain when your rights are violated.  You have a right to a hearing and an answer to your complaint. {HAVA § 402(a)(2)(A-I)}

If you have questions about how to complain, contact:

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE THESE RIGHTS IN WITH YOU TO THE POLLS!!!

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Washington Protection & Advocacy System
315 - Fifth Avenue South, Suite 850
Seattle, WA     98104
*Phone: (206) 324-1521 or in Washington State: (800) 562-2702
TTY:  (206) 957-0728 or in Washington State: (800) 905-0209
Fax: (206) 957-0729
*Interpreters Available in over 200 languages via AT&T Language Line
E-mail: wpas@wpas-rights.org
URL: http://www.wpas-rights.org