Did You Know?
There are nearly 30 million people with disabilities eligible to vote when registered. This number does not even include “the ripple effect” of family, friends, and service professionals who will vote in-line with disability interests.
Voting can protect the issues people with disabilities care about (the Americans with Disabilities Act; Medicaid; accessible transportation; affordable, accessible housing, etc.), especially at the state and local levels.
WHO can VOTE in Washington State
- A citizen of the United States;
- A legal resident of Washington State;
- At least 18 years old by Election Day;
- Not under the authority of the Department of Corrections; and
- Not disqualified from voting due to a court order.
A person who has a guardian may still be able to vote and should not be turned away from a voting center by an election worker. Guardianship papers indicate if an individual has the right to vote. If there is ever doubt about a person’s voting status, the person should be issued a provisional ballot.
HOW to REGISTER
Register to vote online, by mail, or in person. For more information:
- Visit My Vote at the Washington Secretary of State’s website
- Call the Voter Hotline: (800) 448-4881
If registering online or by mail, you must submit your application no later than 29 days before the day of the primary, general election, or special election.
If registering in person, you must register at the county auditor’s office in your county of residence no later than eight days before the day of the primary, special election, or general election.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Voting Assistance
Almost anyone can provide voting assistance—friend, family member, care provider, poll worker—but not your employer or union representative. It’s important for anyone providing voting assistance to understand how to provide proper support, whether voting at home or at the ballot box. Visit Disability Rights Washington to learn more.
Voting on an Accessible Voting Unit (AVU)
Every county has AVUs available at their county election office and at other places as determined by the county. The AVU allows the voter to read and mark the ballot electronically, and provides a variety of accommodation options.
- AVU voting is available starting 18 days before Election Day until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- AVU locations and times of operation can be obtained from county election offices.
Alternative formats for ballots, pamphlets and voters’ guides published by state, county, or city election offices
Call the Voter Hotline at: (800) 448-4881 to request an alternative format or other assistance.
Learn More
For more information on accommodations for voters with disabilities, visit the Washington Secretary of State website.
