What
to Expect on Election Day
by
Mia Thor
Election Day can pose
many questions for first-time voters with disabilities. Many people
do not know what to expect at the polling places when they arrive
to vote. Once you determine where your polling place is (your County
Elections Office will send this on a postcard after you register),
you can arrive anytime between 7:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. to vote. Here
is a general overview of some events that may take place when you
arrive at your polling place to cast a ballot.
When you get to the polling place: Upon arrival at your polling
place, you will be welcomed by the greeting judge. This election
judge serves as a guide for voters and assists with maintaining traffic.
The greeting judge will ask you if you are registered to vote. If
the answer is no, the judge will direct you to the registration judge.
If you preregistered, then you will be directed to the roster judge.
If you need to register:
You will be asked to complete a registration card before you vote.
The registration judge will assist you. A current MN driver's license
or state ID is required to register. Another option for same day
registration is to bring a MN ID, a passport, or a student ID,
along with a utility or phone bill that lists your current address.
Finally, you can also bring a registered voter who lives in your
precinct to vouch for your place of residence. After you have registered,
you are ready to vote. The judge will then have you write your
name and address on the roster and give you a voter's receipt.
You will then be directed to the ballot judge.
If you are already registered:
The roster judge will find your name on the roster. If there are
a large number of registered voters in your precinct, the rosters
may be divided into alphabetical sections maintained by several
judges. You'll be asked to sign the roster next to your name. If
writing is difficult for you, simply make a mark. The judge will
assist you. After this is finished, obtain your voter's receipt.
The ballot judge will then tell you where to vote.
When you are ready to
vote: The ballot judge will give you instructions on how to fill
out your ballot. They will take your voter's receipt and hand you
the ballot. Next, they will guide you to an open booth where you
can vote. There should be at least one wheelchair accessible voting
booth available for individuals who may need it. Depending on where
you vote and what kinds of ballots are used in your precinct, you
may have to place an X or fill in a circle next to the candidate
you want to vote for. If you need assistance, two election judges
from two different parties will help you mark your ballot. Remember
that voting should be an independent and private process! No one
has the right to influence how you vote at the polling place. When
you are finished marking your ballots, turn them into the designated
ballot box or counter.
After you have voted:
You have the option of obtaining your red "I Voted" sticker after
turning in your ballots. You are now done with voting on Election
Day!
As explained above, the process of voting is quite simple. Many
people with disabilities have apprehensions about visiting unfamiliar
places because of uncertainty regarding accessibility, assistance,
and how they will be treated by others. Despite the ease of the voting
process, issues will arise. Here are some questions you might have
about Election Day:
What if I can't read or
write very well?
Election judges will be able to assist you. You must sign the roster
yourself. You can also bring someone you know (a family member
or friend) to help you.
What if I make a mistake
while I am voting? Tell an election judge right away. They will
help determine whether your ballot needs replaced.
What if I cannot see or
hear? Election judges will assist you. They may appoint two election
judges to help you read your ballot. More than likely, your polling
place will not be able to provide an ASL interpreter or materials
in Braille. However, the election judges must communicate with
you through other means to provide assistance to you. Again, bring
someone who can help, or be prepared with your own materials that
will make the process easier (a notebook for writing, a magnifying
glass for reading, etc.).
What if I use a wheelchair?
Federal law requires that polling places are wheelchair accessible.
If your place happens to be inaccessible, request an election official
to bring a ballot to you in your vehicle. Some polling places
also offer curbside voting. Check with your local elections office
for more information.
What if I cannot speak
well? Election officials are trained to provide assistance to all
eligible voters despite their language abilities. They are required
to provide as much assistance that is requested from the voter.
These situations and examples may not apply to you and may not necessarily
happen when you go to the polls. However, it gives you sense of what
to expect. It is a good idea to go to the polls earlier in the day
before they get more crowded in the afternoons.
Voter Hotline: One final
consideration for Election Day is provided by the Minnesota Disability
Law Center through Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA).
A voter hotline will be available as a service to people with disabilities.
The purpose of the hotline is to provide technical support, answer
questions, and assist with situations or challenges that may arise
on Election Day. Following are more details:
There are two numbers for the hotline:
612-334-5785 x216 (metro area)
1-800-292-4150, x216 (greater Minnesota). Leave a message if the line
is busy, or if you call during non-operating hours. You can call
these numbers during office hours if you have any questions about
voting prior to Election Day.
On Election Day, a staff
attorney will be available throughout the day to provide additional
support. Days and hours of operation:
Election Day, Tuesday,
November 2, 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. -- Wednesday, November 3, 9:00
a.m.-5:00 p.m. -- Thursday, November 4, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
During these hours, the Voting Outreach Advocate will be available
to take your incoming calls.
