ASSISTANCE
Under the Texas Election Code, voters have a right to:
- Ask the polling place official for instructions on how to cast a ballot (but not suggestions on how to vote).
- Bring an interpreter to assist them with the check-in process if they do not understand the English language. This includes interpreting into American Sign Language (ASL).
- Help to cast their ballot if they cannot write, see the ballot, or understand the language in which it is written.
Assistance may be provided by elections officials (generally in pairs), or the voter may select a person to assist them. The assistant need not be a registered voter, but must not represent the voter's employer or labor union.
ACCESSIBILITY
- Voting facilities and equipment must be accessible to all voters. This includes:
- Accessible routes for people in wheelchairs or walkers.
- Voting equipment that provides a practical and effective means for voters with physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
- Curbside voting is also available in each of our local counties for voters who are unable to enter the polling location.
PROTECTIONS
- Texas Election Code protects voters' right to cast their vote in secret and free from intimidation, including direct confrontation of voters, insulting, offensive, or threatening language, spreading false information about voter requirements, blocking entry to a polling place, attempting to act as a poll watcher without certification, or use or threat of physical force.
- If you are registered to vote but your name does not appear in the list of registered voters, Texas Election Code protects your right to cast a provisional ballot.
- The possession of guns and other weapons are prohibited in a polling place, except for those carried by peace officers.
REPORTING PROBLEMS
- If you experience or observe any voting issues, contact the Election Protection Hotline:
- English: 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683
- Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA or 888-839-8682
- Arabic: 844-YALLA-US or 866-925-5287
- Asian languages: 888-API-VOTE or 888-274-8683
- ASL (video call): 301-818-VOTE or 301-818-8683
- Voters with disabilities can contact the following voter protection and assistance hotlines:
- Disability Rights Texas: 888-796-VOTE or 888-796-8683
- National Association of the Deaf: 1-301-818-VOTE or 1-301-818-8683