Voting is a fundamental right. Yet voters with disabilities face persistent barriers to casting a ballot, including restrictions on receiving assistance during the voting process imposed by state law. Such restrictions are a form of voter suppression and deny voters with disabilities equal access to the ballot.  

Fortunately, these laws can be challenged under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), which requires that states allow people with disabilities to receive assistance in the voting process.

 

What is Section 208 of the VRA? 

Section 208 is a provision of the VRA that creates federal protections for voters with disabilities who need assistance while voting.