Disabled Voters Asked to Assess Polling Place Accessibility

Photo: comedy_nose/Flickr/Creative Commons License

From now until June 29, disabled voters in California will have the opportunity, by filling out a first-of-its-kind online survey, to weigh in on whether and how well county elections officials are providing for them at the polls.

Results from the survey, which was created by the Secretary of State's office, are supposed to help determine whether elections staff need more training and whether there is a need for modified services or enhanced outreach programs for voters with disabilities.

"While California elections officials offer many resources to voters with disabilities, I want to know if these voters are aware of all the options and services available to them, as well as whether they are encountering unnecessary challenges when voting," Secretary of State Debra Bowen said in a statement released Wednesday.

You can take the survey here. In the meantime, voters with disabilities have a number of options that can help make election day a little easier:

Alternate Ballots

• Audio MP3 Download
• Large-Print Edition
• Order on Audio Cassette

Polling Place Accessibility

• at least one voting machine at each polling place to help cast ballot without assistance
• up to two people chosen by voter may help mark the ballot
• "curbside voting" for those who can't come into the polling place

Voting by Mail

• Apply Online (last day to do so for June primary is May 29)

Voter Hotlines