“Voting is the first act of building a community, as well as building a country.”
~ American author John Ensign
Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. To find out more about what can be done to address this issue, read more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”
~Franklin D. Roosevelt
Polling Place Accessibility
If you plan to vote in person and have specific accessibility concerns, visit your polling place well before Election Day. Call ahead to arrange your visit. Voting places are often located:
- In public buildings such as community centers where you can likely visit any time. When you call ahead, find a time when your visit will not interrupt other activities in the building.
- In schools or fire stations where access may be restricted. When you call ahead, explain who you are (a registered voter with accessibility concerns) and what you need (to visit in advance to ensure you will be able to vote in person on Election Day).
Bring the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Checklist for Polling Places with you on your visit, and make note of anything that might make it difficult to locate or enter the building (include areas such as the parking lot and sidewalks/doorways to the building), or to cast a ballot. If something needs attention or adjustment prior to Election Day, approach your local polling officials with a positive and collaborative attitude.
Election Protection is a nonpartisan coalition formed to ensure that all voters have equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Contact: 866-OUR-VOTE/866-687-8683 or
help@866ourvote.org
Exercise Your Right to Vote
Find answers to common questions about voting in the United States and how to ensure you're registered to vote.
Voting requirements vary by state. View official voting information directly from your state’s elections website by clicking on the map below or following this link.
Disclaimer: The National MS Society is a proud partner of nonprofitvote.org. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the National MS Society does not participate or intervene in any political campaigns for public office, endorse or oppose political candidates, publish or distribute statements relating to a political campaign, or donate money or time to political campaigns. Nothing contained on this webpage or communications should be interpreted to be an endorsement or participation by the Society in a political campaign.