In the United States (US), our democratic government is “for the people, by the people.” By the people is a call to action. Democracy only really works when we are active participants. By the people is also a reminder that the right to vote is protected by law. “We / the people” includes people with disabilities.
So vote! It’s your right. It’s also one way you can help keep our democracy functioning.
Who CAN vote?
In general, to be eligible to vote in the US, you must:
- be a US citizen
- be at least 18 years old by election day
- meet your state’s residency and eligibility requirements
In Washington state:
To register to vote you must meet all the requirements:
- be a US citizen
- be a Washington state resident
- be at least 18 years old (if you are at least 16, you can sign up as a Future Voter)
- have not been disqualified from voting due to a court order
- are not currently serving a sentence in prison for a Washington felony conviction
- are not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction
Who cannot vote?
Most adults, regardless if they have a disability, are eligible to vote. Who cannot vote?
- Non-citizens cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections. This includes permanent legal residents.
- Some people currently serving a sentence in prison cannot vote. Rules vary by state.
- Some people with a mental disability might not be able to vote. Rules vary by state. Learn more about your voting rights on the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law website under Voting Rights. Under the Bazelon Resources section on that page, look for the Voter Guide (Plain Language): It’s Your Right. A Know-Your-Rights Guide for Voters with Mental Disabilities and Advocates (PDF).
- US citizens residing in a US territory cannot vote for president in the general election.
Check with your state or local election office for any questions about who can and cannot vote.
Register to Vote!
If you are not yet registered to vote, and you meet your state’s requirements, get registered! Voter registration deadlines vary by state.
In Washington state:
Eligible voters can register by mail and online up until 8 days before Election Day. You can register in-person up until 8:00 pm on Election Day at a voting center or county elections office. You can:
- register online at www.votewa.gov
- print and mail your registration form
- register in person at your county elections office
Voting by Mail
When you vote in person, you have the right to ask for accessibility accommodations. Contact your state or local election office to learn more about accessibility accommodations protected by law.
In many states, you can vote by mail (absentee ballot). Elections in some states are entirely by mail.
In Washington state:
Elections in Washington state are completely by mail. Ballots are mailed to all registered voters at least 18 days before each election. If you do not receive your ballot, you should contact your county elections office. You can also go online to www.votewa.gov to print a replacement ballot.
There are three ways to return your ballot.
- Drop Box: Return your completed ballot to a designated drop box by 8:00 pm on Election Day. This is the best way to make sure your completed ballot is received in time to be counted.
- Mail: Return your completed ballot by mail. It must be postmarked no later than Election Day. Be aware that ballots may not be postmarked the same day they are put in the mail. So if you plan to return your ballot by mail, do so early!
- In-Person: Return your completed ballot in person to your county elections office by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Voters with disabilities have the option to vote in person at an Accessible Voting Unit. Each county has at least one Accessible Voting Unit at each voting center. They are available for the 18 days leading up to Election Day and until 8:00 pm on Election Day. Contact your county elections office for more information.
Voting Assistants
Voters with disabilities have the right to have help from the person of their choosing when voting. An assistant can be almost anyone. (The disabled person’s employer or union representative cannot be their voting assistant.)
Disability Rights Washington has a great guide for Assisting Voters with Disabilities. It explains the assistant’s role before, during, and after the voting process.
Jess Wilson (of Diary of a Mom on social media) has posted several times about supporting her autistic daughter to exercise her right to vote. She just posted again last week, resharing what she wrote the day her daughter voted for the first time. It is a great example of being a supportive voting assistant.
Exercise Your Right to Vote!
Disabled voters continue to face obstacles making it harder – or impossible – to vote. Every September, there is a grassroots push to advocate and encourage eligible adults to know their rights, register, and vote:
- Disability Voting Rights Week (in 2026 it is celebrated September 14-18)
- National Voter Registration Day (in 2026 it is September 15)
AAC Users: if you are eligible to vote, please exercise your right! Learn more about voting as an AAC user:
- Voting Access As An AAC Communicator (PRC-Saltillo)
- Voting With AAC: A Guide For People With Communication Challenges (Lingraphica)
- Voting To Make Your Voice Heard (CommunicationFIRST)
AAC Supporters: It is on all of us to make sure AAC users know their rights. Do what you can to remove obstacles and ensure AAC users can participate in elections.
References and Related Resources
- Find important information about upcoming elections in Washington state on the Elections page of the Washington Secretary of State website
- Voters with Disabilities (Washington Secretary of State)
- Know Your Voting Rights (Washington State Office of the Attorney General)
- You Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S. (Autistic Self Advocacy Network)
- Voting with a disability (vote.gov)
- Statues Enforced By The Voting Section (Civil Rights Division, US Department of Justice)
- Who can and cannot vote (USAGov)
Share your comments or questions.