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Become a Poll Worker Today

It’s never too early to help democracy! By signing up to be a poll worker, you can ensure that all voters—including voters with disabilities, voters who need language assistance, and voters who want to cast their ballot in person—have a positive experience at the polls. Sign up today!

 

Each registered voter has a right to ask for and receive assistance in voting. If you are a voter with a disability, you may vote-by-mail if you have a sickness or physical condition that prevents you from voting in person without needing personal assistance or injuring your health. 

WHAT IF I NEED A HELPER TO VOTE IN-PERSON?

You can still choose to receive help at a polling place. You do not have to reveal the nature or extent of your disability. You may choose anyone as an assistant except your employer, an officer of your union, or an agent of either.  You can alternatively get the help of two members of the Supervisor of Elections staff. Unless you noted on your voter registration application that you might need help at the polls, you will have to fill out a form affirming you need help at the polls. The clerk can help you fill out the form. In addition, the person you choose to help you will have to fill out a form (unless that person is election staff) saying they will provide help. If you have any questions about receiving help in voting, please ask the clerk or inspector at the polling place.

WHAT IF I AM PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO MARK MY BALLOT?

If you are physically unable to mark your ballot or cannot read the ballot, you are eligible for assistance.

  • You may choose anyone as an assistant except your employer, an officer of your union, or an agent of either. 
  • The assistant must take an oath of assistance administered by an election official. 
  • The assistant may read the ballot to you and mark your ballot
  • If you do not choose your own assistant, two election officials (of different political parties in the General Election) may assist you. 
  • Poll watchers and inspectors can observe the assistance by election officials.

WHAT IF I NEED AN INTERPRETER?

When a voter requires language assistance at an early voting site or at a polling place, the following is available:

  • A person of their own choosing may assist
  • Two pollworkers of opposing political party may assist
  • Bilingual pollworker may assist if available in the polling place
  • A Spanish Instructions Notebook is available
  • A toll-free language assistance hotline is available: 833-828-3224

WHAT IF I HAVE VISUAL DISABILITIES?

All Florida counties must provide one direct electronic voting machine (DRE) at each polling place for voters with visual disabilities so that they may cast their ballot without assistance. These machines are equipped with headphones and a keypad.

WHAT OTHER RESOURCES ARE THERE FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES?

If you have any issue with voting or registering to vote due to a disability, please contact the Disability Rights Florida Voting Hotline: 877-352-7337.

For more information, you can utilize the American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD) resource.

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