United States

Population Statistics

321,368,864

Total Population

48,205,330

Population with a disability

according to World Health Organization’s 15% estimate

Election Dates

5
nov

US House of Representatives 2024

2024

30 July 2009

Signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities


Help America Vote Act (2002)

Updated: May 2019

Section 101, subsection (b), paragraph (G) states: 

In general: A State shall use the funds provided under a payment made under this section to carry out one or more of the following activities:

  • (G) Improving the accessibility and quantity of polling places, including providing physical access for individuals with disabilities, providing nonvisual access for individuals with visual impairments, and providing assistance to Native Americans, Alaska Native citizens, and to individuals with limited proficiency in the English language.

 

Section 261, subsection (b) states:

An eligible State and eligible unit of local government shall use the payment received to assure access for individuals with disabilities for:

  • (1) making polling places, including the path of travel, entrances, exits, and voting areas of each polling facility, accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as for other voters; and
  • (2) providing individuals with disabilities and the other individuals described in paragraph (1) with information about the accessibility of polling places, including outreach programs to inform the individuals about the availability of accessible polling places and training election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers on how best to promote the access and participation of individuals with disabilities in elections for Federal office.

 

Section 271, subsection (b), paragraph 1 states:

 (b) An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this part if it submits to the Commission...an application containing: (1) certifications that the research and development funded with the grant will take into account the need to make voting equipment fully accessible for individuals with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, the need to ensure that such individuals can vote independently and with privacy, and the need to provide alternative language accessibility for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language (consistent with the requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965). 

 

Section 301, subsection (a), paragraph 3 states: 

(3) The voting system shall:

  • (A) be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as for other voters;
  • (B) satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (A) through the use of at least one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place; and
  • (C) if purchased with funds made available under title II on or after January 1, 2007, meet the voting system standards for disability access (as outlined in this paragraph).


Excerpts from the Help America Vote Act (2002)

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (1983, last amended 2013)

Updated: June 2015

Section 1, subsection (a) states:

Within each State, except as provided in subsection (b), each political subdivision responsible for conducting elections shall assure that all polling places for Federal elections are accessible to handicapped and elderly voters.

 

Section 1, subsection (b) states:

Subsection (a) shall not apply to a polling place

  • (1) in the case of an emergency, as determined by the chief election officer of the State; or
  • (2) if the chief election officer of the State-
    • (A) determines that all potential polling places have been surveyed and no such accessible place is available, nor is the political subdivision able to make one temporarily accessible, in the area involved; and
    • (B) assures that any handicapped or elderly voter assigned to an inaccessible polling place, upon advance request of such voter (pursuant to procedures established by the chief election officer of the State) -
      • (i) will be assigned to an accessible polling place, or
      • (ii) will be provided with an alternate means for casting a ballot on the day of the election.

 

Section 2 states:

(a) Each State or political subdivision responsible for registration for Federal elections shall provide a reasonable number of accessible permanent registration facilities.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to any State that has in effect a system that provides an opportunity for each potential voter to register by mail or at the residence of such voter.

 

Section 3, subsection (a) states:

Each State shall make available registration and voting aids for Federal elections for handicapped and elderly individuals, including

  • (1) instructions, printed in large type, conspicuously displayed at each permanent registration facility and each polling place and
  • (2) information by telecommunications devices for the deaf.

 

Section 3, subsection (b) states:

No notarization or medical certification shall be required of a handicapped voter with respect to an absentee ballot or an application for such ballot, except that medical certification may be required when the certification establishes eligibility, under State law -

  • (1) to automatically receive an application or a ballot on a continuing basis; or
  • (2) to apply for an absentee ballot after the deadline has passed.
  •  

Section 3, subsection (c) states:

The chief election officer of each State shall provide public notice, calculated to reach elderly and handicapped voters, of the availability of aids under this section, assistance under section 1973aa–6 of this title, and the procedures for voting by absentee ballot, not later than general public notice of registration and voting is provided.

 

Excerpts from the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (1984, last amended 2013)