On November 3rd 2009 (election night), Citizen Advocacy Athens-Clarke held an informational meeting about voting and voting rights for persons with disabilities at the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections. Led by Gail Schrader, the county's supersivor of elections, the meeting helped inform our advocates and protégés about how and where Georgians with disabilities can practice their civic duty. More than one-third of our advocates, several proteges and board members attended. After the information session, many protégés registered to vote--some for the first time.

Gail Schrader, Supervisor of Elections for Athens-Clarke County, presents on voting rights and accessibility for voters with disabilities.

Dot casts a mock ballot on a voting machine.  Voters with disabilities may get assistance voting if they feel they need it.

Judge Susan Tate, the Probate Judge for Clarke County, discusses voting with an advocate at the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections office.

What We Learned About Voting in Georgia

Who Can Vote?

Anyone 18 years or older who has not been declared incompetent to vote by a judge can vote.  Having a disability by itself does not disqualify someone from voting.  Even someone with a legal guardian may be eligible to vote.

How Does a Person with a Disability Register to Vote?

The registration process is the same for all voters.  A voter with a disability may receive assistance filling out or mailing the registration form.  Voters may obtain a Georgia Voter ID card for no charge at the Board of Elections.

What Assistance May a Voter with a Disability Receive in the Voting Process?

There are many supports in place to assist voters with disabilities.  Voters may mail in an absentee ballot if making it to the polls is difficult.  Once at the polling place, voters with disabilities are not required to wait in the (often long) lines.  Voters may receive assistance with the ballot, by a person of his or her choosing, as long as that person is not an employer.  Audio ballots, magnifying features, and wheelchair-accessible voting units should be available at every polling place.

Useful Links for Georgia Voters with Disabilities

Georgia Secretary of State Access for Voters with Disabilities Resource Page

Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections