Voting Rights are Important

As Election Day—November 8—approaches, it is important to keep in mind the many rights individuals have at the polls. Knowing what rights you have at the polls is vital to ensuring no one infringes on your right to vote.

Your General Rights

• If the polls close while you’re still in line, stay in line – you have the right to vote.
• If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
• If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.

If a Poll Worker Says You Aren’t Registered

Voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, even if they aren’t in the poll book.

After Election Day, election officials must investigate whether you are qualified to vote and registered. If you are qualified and registered, they will count your provisional ballot.

If You’re a Voter with a Disability

Under federal law, all polling places for federal elections must be fully accessible to older adults and voters with disabilities. Simply allowing curbside voting is not enough to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements.

You can bring a family member, friend, or another person of your choice to assist you at the polls. Do not bring your employer, or an agent of your employer or union.

Tell a poll worker what you need—even if that means you’re struggling to wait in line.

If You’re a Voter Who Struggles with English

Under federal law, voters who have difficulty reading or writing English may receive in-person assistance at the polls from the person of their choice. This person cannot be the voter’s employer, an agent of the voter’s employer, or an agent or officer of the voter’s union.

You can bring a family member, friend, or another person of your choice to assist you at the polls. Do not bring your employer, or an agent of your employer or union.

What if Your Rights Aren’t Respected?

If you run into any problems or have questions on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline:

• English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687 8683
• Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888 839-8682
• Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
• For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683

Source: American Civil Liberties Union

Want to read more? Check out the ACE Blog!