Disabled Voting Rights

One week from today is election day. And if you or a loved one are disabled, ALL are entitled to special care to insure you can cast your ballot.   In 2008, only 55% of people with disabilities voted in North Carolina compared to 69% of people without disabilities.

• The disabled can vote from home: early voting ends November 5 so get a ballot from your county Board of Elections, fill it out and mail it in. But to get an absentee ballot, your request must be submitted by 5pm TODAY. You can submit a request for a ballot in person, by fax, mail or email. But that request must be received by 5pm today.
• The disabled can vote in person: go to your polling place which is required to be accessible to the handicapped. You can have almost anyone help you fill out your ballot if you need it. The only exception: your employer or your union (if you belong to one) cannot help you. You may also be entitled to curbside voting which allows you to vote while remaining in a vehicle outside the polling location.
• The disabled can vote from a facility (nursing home, rest home, psychiatric, etc): contact or have a family member contact your Board of Elections for a ballot. Facility staff are not allowed to help you request a ballot or vote. Again the request for a ballot must be submitted by 5pm today.

For more information, or to download an absentee ballot request form, go to www.accessthevotenc.org.