Problems at the Polls

Group of people wait to vote while a single voter sits at a table, all wearing masks

At each election there are problems at poll sites that keep people with disabilities from being able to vote.

Here are some problems we get calls about:

Voters are unable to use the assistive technology that is present because poll workers either do not know how to work it or haven’t turned it on and prepared it for use.

Poll workers believe that a voter with disabilities is being exploited and assume because of the severity of their disability they do not have the capacity to vote.

Poll workers do not allow a person to vote based on assumptions about their disability.

Poll workers ask people with disabilities to prove they have the capacity to vote, including asking them to demonstrate they can read and write.

Some things you can do if you have a problem at the polls

If you have a problem voting in person asked to speak with the chief judge on site. That person has the authority to grant you whatever accommodation you need.
If the chief judge doesn’t agree to your request contact your County Board of Elections, the State Board of Elections, and Disability Rights North Carolina or call our voter hotline at 1-888-WEVOTE2.
Vote early! That way if you run into any trouble you will have a chance to get it resolved in time for your vote to count.