As part of DVRW, the American Association of People with Disabilities has launched "Voting in 2022" -- a hub for disabled voters across the county. We encourage you to visit the site and to share it with those with disabilities.

For more info about DVRW, you can check out AAPD’s Partner Toolkit and this episode of The Heumann Perspective Podcast, which features an interview with Detroit Disability Power’s Executive Director (and PTV Board Member!) Dessa Cosma.

 VOTING IN PERSON

 Voters with disabilities have the right to vote privately and independently or to get help casting their ballots. This includes:

 The right to an accessible polling place. If a polling place is not accessible, a voter can send someone into the polling place to request curbside voting on their behalf. The poll workers at their polling place will bring a ballot outside for the voter

• The right to an accessible voting machine or “Voter Assist Terminal.” Different counties use different brands of Voter Assist Terminals (“VATs”). Voters can find out which brand their county uses here. Then they can learn how to use that particular VAT before heading to the polls by viewing the corresponding resource below:
• Dominion VAT: Video or Text Description with photos
• Hart VAT: Video or Text Description with photos
• ES&S VAT: Video or Text Description with photos 
• The right to in-person assistance from any person that the voter chooses, except their employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of their union.

VOTING FROM HOME

For voters with disabilities, the ability to vote by absentee ballot is especially important. A few things to remember:

 A large print absentee ballot application is available on MI.gov/vote. Remember - voters can apply now for their ballot for the November general election.

 For those with print disabilities, accessible electronic absentee ballots are also available. Voters can apply for an accessible electronic absentee ballot online at the Michigan Voter Information Center. 

 If a voter receives assistance marking their ballot, the assisting person must sign where indicated on the ballot return envelope.

 If a voter is unable to sign their absentee ballot return envelope, they may use their mark or signature stamp. An absentee ballot will not be counted unless the voter’s signature on the ballot envelope sufficiently agrees with the signature in the voter’s registration record. For registered voters who will use their mark or a signature stamp on their absentee ballot for the first time, we recommend submitting a new voter registration form with their mark or signature stamp.