Accessible Voting for Citizens with a Disability
Voters with a disability may get help voting. You have several choices for how to vote.
Is there an accessible voting system at my polling place?
Every polling place in Pennsylvania must have at least one accessible voting system. Sometimes this is the general voting system used by all voters. It may be a separate system with features such as audio, tactile keys and other assistive technology.
How do I get assistance at the polling place?
If you need help voting due to a disability,
you may bring a person of your choice to assist you in the voting process. There are a few restrictions on who to bring, including that
you may not choose a person who is:
- A Judge of Elections
- Your Union Representative
- Your Employer
The first time you have someone help you vote, the election officials at your polling place will ask you to complete and sign a form called a
Declaration of Need of Assistance. After the first time, your registration record will note that you completed the form. This declaration is also available in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese.
Third Party Ballot Delivery for Mail Voting
If you have a disability that prevents you from applying in person for your mail ballot or delivering your mail ballot, you may designate an agent to deliver your ballot materials for you. You must designate the agent in writing using this English PDF form, Spanish PDF form,
Chinese PDF form or a form provided by your county.
What if I have a permanent disability?
If you have a permanent disability, you can apply to be added to the permanent absentee voter list by submitting an
absentee ballot application (PDF), including section C If your application is accepted, you will receive absentee ballots for the elections that take place during the rest of the year. You will also receive an annual absentee ballot application every year that you are on the list.
If your County Board of Elections says your polling place inaccessible, you can vote by alternative ballot.
Voting by Alternative Ballot
An alternative ballot is a paper ballot that you get in the mail and return to the County Board of Elections. If you are over 65 years of age or have a disability, and your polling place is not accessible, you may be able to vote with an alternative ballot by mail. Find out if you can vote an
alternative ballot instead of voting in-person at a polling place.
Accessible Remote Ballot Marking Solution for Mail Voting
The Department of State is committed to increasing accessibility for voters with disabilities. Pennsylvania voters with disabilities now have the opportunity to mark their absentee or mail-in ballot electronically.
Learn more about the accessible remote ballot marking solution.