Election season is here, and Florida voters will soon have their chance to select a presidential candidate on November 3, 2020. Residents with disabilities who wish to participate in the general election can take advantage of a number of accessibility options to ensure that their voice is heard.
Who Can Vote?
In Florida, every adult over 18 can register to vote, regardless of disability status. Individuals with cognitive impairments or special needs can also vote, provided they have not had their voting rights terminated by a legal guardianship.
Can’t Make it to a Polling Place?Â
Florida allows mail-in voting for individuals with disabilities or special needs who may struggle to get to a polling place or stand in long lines on Election Day. Those voters can instead request an absentee ballot. The deadline to request a ballot is October 24, 2020. Click here to learn more about the process.
Need Help Casting Your Ballot?
Those who need help seeing, reading, or completing their ballot in any way can ask an election officer for special assistance with these tasks. Voters with disabilities are also permitted to bring a helper who can provide assistance during the voting process. A form will need to be filled out affirming that the voter needs assistance casting a vote unless that was already noted on the voter registration application. The clerk at the voting location can help the individual complete this document.
Have Additional Questions About Your Rights?
If you have additional questions about your rights as a disabled voter in Florida, or if you feel that your rights have been violated, you can contact the Florida Agency for Persons With Disabilities here or contact your county Supervisor of Elections by clicking here.