Voting Rights for Individuals with Disabilities

​Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in our democracy. People with disabilities have the right to vote, and disability alone does not mean someone is unable to vote.

This page provides information about voting rights, guardianship, accessible voting options, and where to get help if you experience a barrier to voting in Wisconsin.

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Know Your Voting Rights

People with disabilities have the right to participate in elections. You may have the right to vote even if you receive support with decision-making, live in a group home, receive disability services, or have a court-appointed guardian.

• Having a disability does not take away your right to vote.

• Having a guardian does not automatically mean you cannot vote. In Wisconsin, a court must specifically remove your voting rights.

• You have the right to make your own voting choices. Other people should not pressure or intimidate you into voting for a particular candidate or choice.

• You can ask for assistance with voting. Eligible voters with disabilities can receive help completing their ballot, subject to applicable election rules.

• You deserve an accessible voting experience. You can ask election officials about available accommodations if you need assistance at your polling place.

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Voting Rights and Guardianship

Having a guardian does not automatically mean you have lost your right to vote. In Wisconsin, voting rights are removed through a specific court decision.

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How do I know if I can vote?

If you have a court-appointed guardian, review your guardianship court order to find out whether your voting rights were removed. If you do not have a copy, ask your guardian or contact the Register in Probate at the courthouse where your guardianship case was handled.

If you are unsure what your court order means, seek assistance before assuming you cannot vote.

 

Can I get my voting rights back?

If a court has removed your right to vote, you may be able to petition the court to restore it. The process generally involves filing a petition and attending a court hearing.

The court considers whether you understand the basic purpose of an election. You do not need to know everything about politics, candidates, or government to understand why you want to vote.

You can ask a trusted person or an attorney for help with the process.

For detailed information and petition forms, visit Disability Rights Wisconsin's Guardianship and Voting Resource Center.

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Accessible Voting Options

Wisconsin voters have options for casting a ballot. Depending on your needs and eligibility, you may be able to vote in person, vote absentee by mail, or use other available voting accommodations.

 

Voting at a polling place

If you vote in person, you can ask election officials about available accessibility features and assistance. If you need help reading or marking your ballot, ask an election official about your options.

You can also contact your local election official before Election Day to ask about polling place accessibility and accommodations.

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Voting absentee

Eligible Wisconsin voters can request an absentee ballot. Voting absentee may be a helpful option if getting to a polling place is difficult.

Visit MyVote Wisconsin to learn about absentee voting, request options, registration, and election information.

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Voter registration and photo ID

You can use MyVote Wisconsin to check your registration, find your polling place, and learn about Wisconsin's voter registration and photo ID requirements.

If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, information about obtaining a free Wisconsin voter ID is available through the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

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What If I Experience a Problem While Voting?

If you experience an accessibility barrier, are denied assistance, or believe your voting rights are being violated, you can ask for help.

You can contact the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition or the Wisconsin Elections Commission for information about voting requirements and available assistance.

Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition

• Phone: 844-347-8683 (844-DIS-VOTE)

• Email: info@disabilityvote.org

• Website: disabilityvote.org

Wisconsin Elections Commission

• Website: elections.wi.gov

You do not have to navigate voting questions alone. Reach out for information and support if you are unsure about your rights or need help accessing the voting process.

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