Know Your Rights: Information for Voters with Disabilities in Colorado
September 6, 2024
It has taken decades of dedication from disability advocates to create legislation protecting the right to vote for people with disabilities and enshrining accessibility requirements into law.
But despite these efforts and the steep increase in mail-in voting options in the 2020 election, an alarming trend arose: voters with disabilities struggled more than any other demographic to cast a ballot. According to a report cited by the ACLU, 11% of voters with disabilities reported facing at least one challenge while voting in the 2020 election.
What was it that made it even more difficult for people with disabilities to vote during the last presidential election? Onsite barriers at polling sites including limited accessible parking, crowded, hard-to-maneuver rooms, and long lines, to name a few.
While people with disabilities may recognize their voting rights in the general sense, it is useful to understand the specific voting rights and how these rights are implemented by state poll workers.
For this article, the focus is on rights of voters with disabilities in Colorado; however, if you are in a different state, please visit US Vote Foundation for a comprehensive overview of rights in your state.
Important Voter Disability Rights in Colorado
As a voter with a disability in Colorado, you are guaranteed:
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Accessible voter registration
This includes the option to register online from the comfort of your home. If you choose to register in person, voter registration sites guarantee accessible parking and optional in-person assistance.
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A mail-in ballot
A mail-in ballot allows you to receive your ballot to the address on your voter registration. To check your address on file, visit GoVoteColorado.gov.
Special Reminder about mail-in ballots: Remember to drop off your ballot at a nearby ballot box drop off before 7 pm on Election Day. See map of Denver-area ballot box drop offs here.
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Accessible voter polling places
All official polling places must have accessible parking, ramps, door openings more than 32 inches wide, and plenty of space to maneuver throughout the polling site.
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The right for a service animal
Your service animal can accompany you inside the polling place.
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The right to vote privately and independently or with assistance.
You may choose the person who assists you. They can be a friend or family member that you bring to the polling site with you, or you may request assistance from a poll worker. Note: Assistance cannot come from your boss or any person who has authority over you at your place of employment.
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Extra time to vote if needed
Let a poll worker know and they will be sure to accommodate your needs.
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You may access an electronic ballot or view a sample ballot
You may do so beginning 22 days before Election Day, by visiting Welcome Colorado Voters (coloradosos.gov)
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If you are unable to stand in line at your polling place, you may:
- Request to be moved to front of the line
- Request that a chair be provided
- Request to have your place in line held and notified once it’s your turn
Helpful notes on accessible voter registration and voting
Here are a few important things to know and remember for the upcoming election.
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Register to vote online
In Colorado, you can register to vote online Voter Registration – Verify Your Identification – Colorado Secretary of State.
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Confirm your registration is up to date
It’s important to confirm that your registration is up-to-date online. You can do that at Find My Voter Registration – Colorado Secretary of State
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Important Voter Registration Deadlines
- The final day to complete your online voter registration is Monday, October 28, 2024.
- You may register in-person on the day of the election, which is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
- You must drop off your mail-in ballot at a ballot box drop-off by 7 pm on Election Day for your vote to be counted.
Voting absentee or via mail-in ballot in Colorado
It’s important to note that all US states permit people with an illness or disability to vote absentee, meaning you can mail in your ballot or drop it off at a polling location.
In Colorado, all registered voters, regardless of ability, automatically receive a mail-in ballot to the address on included on your voter registration. This means voting in person at a polling site is completely optional and voting from the comfort of your home is the default option.
Every vote matters, especially for people with disabilities whose voices often go unheard. Voting is a powerful way to influence decisions that impact our communities. We hope this resource helps you make your voice heard and participate fully in the democratic process.
