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Home Election Security Voters with a Disability

Voters have several options to choose from on how they wish to obtain and cast their ballot. Voting can be done in person on election day at the polls; through mail-in ballots during the early voting period; or in person at an on-site early voting location during the early voting period. Each polling location, vote center, and onsite early voting location is required to have available an accessible voting device for use by voters with disabilities. This device is required to be set up and operational for voters at all times when voting is open. Additionally, voting locations provide handicap parking, wheelchair accessibility, and resources for those that are visually/hearing impaired. Individuals that prefer to vote from home may sign up for the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) online or through a physical form. Alternative formats for ballots are available, including braille and large print.


Early Voting

Early voting is available for every election and begins 27 days prior to the election. Voters can vote early either by mail or in person.

Vote from Home
Voters in every county are eligible to sign up for the Active Early Voting List (AEVL). Individuals on the list automatically receive their ballots by mail for every election they are eligible to vote in and have the convenience of voting within their own homes. Voting by mail enables voters to bypass standing in line on Election Day. Voting by mail can also alleviate transportation issues as voters can receive and return their ballots all by mail. If a voter wishes to turn in their ballot on Election Day, but prefers to bypass the lines, early ballots can be dropped off at any polling place within their county. Visit Service Arizona below and be sure to check-mark the box for AEVL in order to sign up. One-time early ballot requests can also be made prior to each election if a voter does not wish to sign up for AEVL.
Service Arizona

Vote Early in Person
Voters that wish to vote in person, yet experience challenges with transportation and/or standing in line, may consider voting early in person. On-site, early voting locations are designated for every election and are available during the early voting period. Voters have approximately 3 weeks to plan their voting experience and lines are often not an issue (particularly at the beginning of early voting). Accessible voting devices are available at all early voting locations.

Election Day Voting
Only facilities that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, either permanently or temporarily, are utilized as polling places. Voters with disabilities have several options and resources available to them when casting their ballot:

  • All voting locations shall be equipped with accessible voting equipment, magnifying instruments and accessible voting booths.
  • Bi-partisan assistance teams are available to assist a voter in casting their ballot.
  • Additional options, such as curbside voting, pen cushions and additional lighting may be available.
  • Additionally, voters have the right to bring a person of their own choosing with them into the polls to provide assistance.


If you have any county specific questions or suggestions, please reach out to your County Elections Department.


Ballot Accessibility

All polling locations and vote centers have an accessible voting device for use. Counties also offer ballots that are specific to the needs of voters. If you require a ballot in large print, braille or a different language you should contact your county elections department by clicking here. Counties have the capability to automatically send voters a different ballot style in perpetuity upon request.


Special Election Boards

Some Arizona counties offer voting from home, a residential setting or a medical facility through a Special Elections Board. Individuals from two different political parties will come to you to assist you in casting your vote. Contact your County Elections Office for information, eligibility and availability on voting from home through a Special Elections Board.

County Assistance

Each county offers different assistance and machinery to aid voters with disabilities. If you have any county specific questions or suggestions, please reach out to your County Elections Department. For a complete list of the voting equipment utilized by Arizona's 15 counties, click here.


Organizations

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a nationwide leader in providing communication access, support services and community empowerment all throughout Arizona. The purpose of the Commission is to ensure, in cooperation with the public and private sector, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing to improve their quality of life.

Help America Vote Act
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is a United States federal law which was enacted in 2002. The act provides a set of standards for every state to follow in order to improve election administration.

Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and guarantees that Americans with disabilities enjoy the same rights, such as voting, without discrimination. Any questions regarding the Act's functions may be directed to one of the Department of Justice's specialists at 800-514-0301.

Arizona Center for Disability Law
The Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) is a non-profit law firm that protects the rights of individuals with any disabilities. More specific to voters, the firm extends protection and advocacy for voting access. On election days, the ACDL has a HAVA Hotline in order to address any election issues concerning accessibility and will file any necessary complaints. The hotline telephone number is 602-274-6287 or 1-800-927-2260 and is open from 6am to 7pm on election days.

Sun Sounds of Arizona
Sun Sounds bridges the information gap between current print media and people who cannot use it because of a disability. Their core mission is to provide audio access to information to people who cannot read print. They do this by making creative use of technology and talent to ensure every disabled person has the opportunity to access the current and local information necessary to a self-directed, productive life. For additional information you can call Sun Sounds at 480-774-8300.


Additional Services

Voter Education Guide
The Commission partners with "Sun Sounds of Arizona" to provide voters with visual impairments an audio version of the Voter Education Guide, which is created for both the primary and general elections. These pamphlets are also available in large print and alternate languages upon request by calling 602-364-3477.

Debates
The Commission also hosts statewide and legislative debates for candidates in the primary and general elections, which are available on YouTube. All debate videos are provided with closed captioning to give equal access for deaf and hard of hearing viewers.

Website
The Commission strives to provide the content on this website in an accessible format, including tags, navigation and plain text when possible to ensure compatibility with screen readers. In the event you experience difficulty with the site or have suggestions, please email our Web Content Manager by clicking here.

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