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Your Vote Matters!
In Person Early voting in DC is open now through November 3!
Voting early gives you flexibility to avoid long lines and ensures your voice is heard in shaping the future of our community. Make time to visit a vote center or ballot drop box before Election Day—every vote counts, and accessible elections benefit us all. Let’s take part and make sure everyone has a chance to be heard!
Use this Vote Center Locator Tool to find your closest Early Vote Center.
Make the Disability Vote Count
Disability Rights DC has updated our Voting Rights Guide for DC Residents with Disabilities to help ensure that every voter is informed.
Having a disability or receiving supports and services because of a disability does NOT disqualify you from voting. You CAN vote if you live in a nursing home, group home, shelter, hospital, prison, or other facility. All eligible DC residents can vote while in jail or prison regardless of their conviction.
Voters with disabilities have the option to vote remotely using an accessible remote ballot (ARB). ARB is an electronic ballot that allows you to electronically read and mark your ballot. ARB is compatible with all major screen readers (JAWS, etc.), tactile switches, closed captioning, and audio-enabled systems. You will need access to a computer with internet access and an email address. To learn more and request an ARB, click here.
Check out our full Voter Guide to learn more about your voting rights, how request accommodations, and how we’re advocating for accessible elections!
2024 Primary Voting Access Report
During the June Primary, Disability Rights DC (DRDC) surveyed all 75 vote centers and 55 ballot drop boxes across the District—and the results are alarming: 72% of vote centers were inaccessible, with 10.67% classified as structurally inaccessible and 70.67% as operationally inaccessible. Additionally, 14.54% of ballot drop boxes were found to be inaccessible.
"Structurally inaccessible" refers to physical barriers that prevent independent access, such as stairs or non-compliant ramps. In contrast, "operationally inaccessible" indicates issues that could be addressed by election staff, like missing signage or temporary obstacles.
These findings show that accessibility isn’t where it needs to be. Every voter deserves equal access to the democratic process, and DRDC is calling on local election officials to act. By prioritizing accessibility improvements, we can build a more inclusive system where all voters—regardless of ability—can participate fully and independently. Together, let’s ensure accessibility becomes a cornerstone of every election, not an afterthought. Read the full report here.
Surveying Accessibility Across the District
As we approach the General Election, Disability Rights DC (DRDC) is assessing the accessibility of D.C.’s vote centers and mail ballot drop boxes for people with disabilities. From October 28 to November 5, 2024, over 40 dedicated volunteers will survey polling locations to gauge their accessibility.
We are proud to be working with Howard Law School, and American University Washington College of Law’s Disability Rights Legal Clinic. Additionally, we have other wonderful volunteers from the DC community. The insights gathered will help us advocate for improvements to ensure that future elections are accessible to all. We thank our volunteers for their commitment to creating a more inclusive voting experience for individuals with disabilities in Washington, D.C.
