ACCESSIBLE ELECTIONS
The Board of Elections in the City of New York conducts honest and fair elections from local to federal levels for all registered voters, including voters with disabilities. If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the voting process in New York City, please contact the ADA Unit at [email protected]
Sign Language at Poll Sites
To request sign language interpretation at a poll site during Early Voting or Election Day, please email [email protected]. All requests must be submitted at least 48 business hours in advance of services.
Please include the following information:
• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Date and timeframe you plan to vote (sign language interpretation will be available for a two-hour window)
• Your assigned poll site (you can confirm here: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/)
Accessible Poll Sites
The ADA Unit ensures poll sites throughout the five boroughs are accessible to all voters on Election Day and throughout Early Voting. Nearly all poll sites require some form of temporary accessibility equipment, ranging from simple mats and cones to complicated ramping systems. Mats may cover unsafe walking conditions, cones alert voters with visual impairments of protruding objects, and ramps provide access to voters who cannot use the stairs. The ADA Unit also facilitates miscellaneous permanent repairs to doors, handrails, light fixtures, and walkways.
The needs of all poll sites are continually evaluated to ensure each location is accessible throughout the duration of every election event.
Accessible Voting Equipment
Every poll site in New York City has at least one Ballot Marking Device (BMD) and one ADA Privacy Booth, as well as other aids such as magnifying sheets. The BMD is an electronic device that provides voters, including voters with disabilities, the ability to mark their ballot privately and independently.
For more information on using the BMD:
Using the Ballot Marking Device (BMD)
Each BMD has a bipartisan poll worker team dedicated to the machine who are available to assist voters as needed. Every poll site also has ADA-focused poll workers called Accessibility Clerks who assist voters with disabilities upon request. Any voter may be assisted by any person of their choice, except their employer or union representative.
Accessible Ballots
Voters who have a print disability may apply for a ballot with accessible features by using the online Accessible Ballot Application. A print disability is any disability that interferes with the effective reading, writing, or use of printed material. Print disabilities include blindness, low vision, dyslexia, dysgraphia, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities that limit writing abilities. Eligible voters with disabilities who request an accessible ballot can use their personal adaptive technology to mark and print their absentee ballot from their home. Voters using the accessible ballot system are responsible for printing their ballot.
Public Meetings
To request a sign language interpreter for the Board of Elections Commissioners’ Meeting, email the ADA Coordinators no later than two business days before each meeting: [email protected]
The Commissioners’ Meeting can be viewed here: https://vote.nyc/page/commissioners-meetings
Poll Worker Training
The ADA Unit has facilitated the creation of several videos to help poll workers support voters with disabilities. These videos can be found here: https://vote.nyc/page/ada-training-videos
The ADA Unit is dedicated to ensuring all voters have access to the electoral process, including voters with disabilities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ADA Unit at [email protected]