People with disabilities make up the largest voting bloc in Minnesota. Your voice matters, and it is your right to make it heard this November. You can start preparing to vote by checking that your voter registration is valid, or by registering or updating your voter registration. You can also look up information about elections in your area. Some of the available information includes your polling place location, upcoming elections, and what will be on your ballot.
There are many ways to get help voting! Every polling location will have a ballot marking machine available if you cannot or choose not to vote with a pen. If you would like to use the ballot marking machine, you can request it from an election judge or poll worker when you arrive. You may also ask staff for a demonstration of how the machine works, and they can assist you in getting started or answer any questions. These machines display the ballot in large print and high contrast, and can read it aloud through headphones. They will prompt you to fill out your ballot using a Braille keypad, touchscreen, or sip-and-puff device. Once complete, the machine will print your ballot for you to put in the collection box. For the upcoming midterm elections, ballot-marking machines must be present at every polling place.
You may also bring a trusted friend, family member, or helper to the polls on election day to help you fill out your ballot. You cannot ask your employer or union to act as your assistant. Your assistant may read the ballot to you, mark your choices on your behalf if you tell them what to select, and help you communicate with poll workers. However, your assistant cannot tell you how to vote, attempt to influence your vote, or fill out your ballot without your direction. This assistant can help you with all parts of your ballot, or you can ask the election judges to review it to ensure it is marked correctly. If you ask for assistance from election judges, two election judges from two different political parties will assist you.
If leaving your vehicle or entering the polling place is difficult, you can request that your ballot be brought to you for “curbside voting”. Two election judges from different political parties will deliver your ballot and place it in the ballot box once you are finished.
Anyone can request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. You can even make your absentee ballot request online. Those with disabilities can request an accessible ballot for absentee voting. You must first request an absentee ballot, then contact your county election office to request an accessible ballot.
Federal and state laws require that polling places are accessible to people with disabilities. Some of these requirements include an accessible ramp entrance and a parking space for persons with disabilities near the entrance. If you do not believe your polling station to be accessible, you can contact your city or township clerk to report a problem. If you notice an accessibility issue on election day, speak directly with an election judge or poll worker at your polling location. They are required to address accessibility needs. You may also call the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State Elections phone lines to report immediate concerns and get guidance: Metro Area: 651-215-1440, Greater MN: 1-877-600-VOTE (8683), MN Relay Service: 711. Taking these steps can help ensure you can vote and improve accessibility for others.
Voting Tool Kit
- Minnesota Resources for Voters with Disabilities - Learn about your rights
- Find Your Minnesota Voter Registration - Check that you are registered to vote
- Register to Vote or Update Registration - Register to vote or make changes to your voter registration
- Minnesota Voting Information Portal - Learn about your polling place, upcoming elections, and what will be on your ballot
- Get Help Voting - Information on voting assistance
- Minnesota Absentee Ballot Request - Request your absentee ballot online
- Ballot Marking Machine - Learn more about the ballot marking machines available
- Polling Place Accessibility - Accessibility requirements for polling places
- Voting - Resources from the Minnesota Council on Disability
- REV UP MN - REV UP Minnesota Coalition works to increase the percentage of people with disabilities who vote.
- How to Vote in Minnesota - REV UP MN plain language voting guide
