Voting rights
People with IDD have the right to vote. Polling places must be accessible, and you can bring someone to help.
This page is general information in plain language. It is not legal advice. For help with your own situation, contact one of the free helpers listed on this page.
Your rights
- You can register and vote. In a few states, a guardianship order can affect the right to vote. Ask your Protection and Advocacy agency.
- You can bring a person of your choice to help you vote, except your boss or a union officer.
- Polling places must be accessible, and each one must have at least one accessible voting machine for federal elections.
- No one can test you on what you know before you vote.
- You can ask for help from poll workers, and vote by mail in every state under its rules.
If there is a problem
Ask to speak to the poll manager. You can also call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision.