Texas Disability Law - Voting

Texas Law

• Requires polling places and precinct conventions to comply with the Texas Accessibility Standards.
• Requires that each polling place must provide at least one voting station that provides a practical and effective means for voters with physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot. An exemption for certain political subdivisions exists for non State wide elections.
• Provides for assistance in reading the ballot and/or voting.
• Allows the use of sign language interpreters or language interpreters for voters who can not communicate in English.
• Provides for ballots to be brought to the curb, or polling place entrance, if the voter can not enter.
• Provides a system for early voting by mail with specific deadlines and restrictions.

Texas Legal Citation

• Accessibility of Polling Places:
  Texas Election Code, Section 43.034
  Texas Election Code Section 61.013
  Special District Local Laws Code 8818
  Texas Election Code, Section 61.012
• Accessibility of Precinct Conventions:
  Texas Election Code, Section 174.022(d)
• Voting Assistance:
  Texas Election Code, Sections 64.031 - 64.037
• Interpreters:
  Texas Election Code, Sections 61.031 - 61.036
• Curbside Voting:
  Texas Election Code, Section 64.009
• Early Voting by Mail:
  Texas Election Code, Chapter 86
  Texas Election Code, Section 63.011
• Registration:
  Texas Election Code, Sections 13.001

Contact

Voter registration is done through your county tax assessor/voter registrar, or with assistance from State human service agencies. You may also register to vote when obtaining or renewing your driver's license or ID card.

For More Information

• Secretary of State
  Voter Information:
  (800) 252-8683
  e-mail: elections@sos.state.tx.us
  "Services Available to Voters with Special Needs"

Relevant Federal Laws

• Americans with Disabilities Act

• U.S. Department of Justice:
  Civil Rights Division, Voting Section
  (800) 514-0301; (800) 514-0383 (TTY)
  

• DOJ Guidance on Polling Places
• National Voter Registration Act
• Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984
• Help America vote Act

• Federal Elections Commission
  (800) 424-9530; (202) 219-3336 (TTY)
  

Local Ordinances

Contact your local county tax assessor/collector for a voter registration application.