Voting is an important way to make your voice heard as a self-advocate. Knowing how to register, registration deadlines, and accessibility options for people with disabilities are the first steps.
This election is important as the next president of the United States is being elected. It is also important to remember that other issues are on the ballot such as local elections and state constitutional amendments. In addition, positions for the Florida House of Representatives and Senate are on the ballot These are candidates you may talk to later about disability-related issues.
Dates and Deadlines
These are important dates to remember in this upcoming election:
Register to vote in the general election – October 7, 2024
Election Day – November 5, 2024
Early voting allows you to vote in person without the anticipated long lines on election day. Voting locations are only in select places and not necessarily your election day precinct. Visit your county’s Supervisor of Elections office for more details on early voting.
Registering to Vote
Voter registration must be completed before October 7. There are different ways to register. For online registration visit Florida’s voter registration website. This website can also be used to confirm your status or to make updates to your registration. Another way to register is to print, complete, sign, and mail the form to the local elections office. Finally, in-person registration is also available at your county’s elections office.
Sample Ballots
Sample ballots can be obtained from your county’s Supervisor of Elections office website. Find yours here.
Accessible Vote-by-Mail
Accessible vote-by-mail allows individuals with disabilities to vote independently and privately from home. It gives you the ability to use your computer and accessibility software.
These are the steps to requesting an accessible vote-by-mail ballot:
Request accessible vote by mail from your county’s Supervisor of Elections office.
You will be sent a link via email
Use the Enhanced Voting or Democracy Live program to complete the ballot.
Print your ballot.
Place the ballot in the envelope and mail or drop it off.
More information about this process can be found on Disability Rights Florida’s YouTube channel on accessible vote by mail
Supervised Facility Voting
This option is available for registered voters who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. If there are five or more people who want to vote, then the administrator can contact the Supervisor of Elections office. Someone from the office will come to where you live, bring the ballot, help you vote, and take the ballot with them. More information is found here.
Voting in Person
There are several accessible options for voting in person whether you vote early or on election day. Early voting is October 26 – November 2. This allows you to vote with fewer people in line. Each county has specific locations that can be found on your Supervisor of Elections website. Voting on November 5 requires you to go to your assigned polling location.
Regardless of when you vote, each voting location must be physically accessible and have an accessible voting machine. Each location must have adequate disability parking locations, clear signs, and wide sidewalks and doors. Once inside, a Ballot Marking Device and Systems machine should be available. These machines are touchscreen. They allow you to make your decisions through a variety of accommodations and print your answers on a ballot. Access the Vote has a series of videos that describe these machines in detail.
Voting Problems
If you have any disability-related issues while voting or registering to vote, contact the Disability Rights Florida Disability Voting Rights Hotline at 877-352-7337. You may call them from the precinct.
Voting is a way to advocate for yourself. Being registered and informed on dates as well as the different options for voting are the first steps to making your voice heard. It is also important to educate yourself on the candidates and amendments so that you can make an informed decision. Reviewing your county's ballot ahead of time and then researching candidates and issues is important.
Comments