On September 9, UCP of Eastern CT hosted a Voting Rights Clinic at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT on Eugene O’Neill Drive. Representatives from Disability Rights Connecticut answered questions about voting rights, absentee ballots, and voter registration. The Center of the Blind showcased devices designed to make voting more accessible for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Executive Director, Wendy Lusk, spoke to the audience about the Center and our services.

Disability Rights CT highlighted several ways that voting locations ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including:

• Moving to the front of the line if you have difficulty standing.
• Bringing a friend to assist you with voting.
• Curbside voting if you’re in a wheelchair or unable to leave your car.
• Early voting from October 21 to November 3, with each town having a designated location, often the town hall.
• Absentee voting or voting by mail, which can be requested by contacting your town for more information.

You can register to vote up to 18 days before the election, or even on Election Day. For registration details, you’ll need to contact your town hall.

All polling places in Connecticut are required to have ballot marker devices, which are essentially laptops with magnification or earphone options. If the device is not readily accessible, poll workers must set it up and guide you on how to use it.

It’s important to note that you must ask for assistance at the polling place, as they won’t offer it automatically. If any location refuses to provide the above accommodations, contact Disability Rights CT at 800-842-7303.

If you missed the clinic and want more information on voting rights for individuals with disabilities, please visit the Disability Rights of CT website.