Publication #5436.01
Revised October 2004
Where do I vote?
If you are registered to vote, you will get a Sample Ballot in the mail before the election. This will tell you where to vote (your poll).
Do I have the same rights as other voters at the poll?
Yes. You have the right to a secret vote. And, you have the right to vote in a way that is easy.
How do I know if my poll is accessible?
Look for this sign. [Wheelchair Access sign]
Accessible polls have:
• Marked accessible parking near the entrance
• A clear path from the parking area to the poll
• Doors that are wide and easy to open
• Election materials and signs in large print
• Poll workers to help you and answer your questions
What if my poll is not accessible?
You have other options. You can:
• Vote an Absentee Ballot before the election.
• Ask to vote at an accessible poll near you.
• Use "Curbside Voting." If you cannot come into the poll, a Poll Worker will bring a ballot to you at the curb.
• Call your County Elections Office or PAI if you have questions.
Where can I get information about the election?
You can get an Easy Voter Guide at: www.easyvoter.org
You can get voting materials on audiotape from the:
• County Elections Office,
• library, or
• Braille Institute
What kind of help can I expect at the polls?
Most polls have these items so you can vote easily and secretly:
• A tabletop voting booth (for wheelchair access)
• A magnifying sheet
Can other people help me vote?
Yes. You can:
• Choose 1 or 2 people to help you in the voting booth. (Not your boss or union official.)
• Ask a poll worker to help you. But, they must not influence you, and they cannot tell anyone how you voted.
• Ask a sign language interpreter to help you. Bring your own interpreter or call your County Elections Office before the election to see if can give you an interpreter.
Can my service animal be with me?
Yes. You can take your service animal to the poll and into the voting booth.
What if I am hospitalized on or just before Election Day?
You can still vote. Ask the County Elections Office for an Emergency Absentee or Hospitalized Voter Ballot. You’ll need someone to pick it up and drop it off at the poll.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
Give your ballot back to the poll worker and ask for a new one. You can get up to 3 ballots.
But you cannot get a new ballot if you put your ballot in the ballot box. If you have trouble with the voting equipment, ask a poll worker to help you.
Need help?
Contact the Secretary of State:
1-800-345-8683
TDD: 1-800-345-8683
Email: elections@ss.ca.gov
Or contact PAI:
1-800-776-5746
TTY:
1-800-781-4546