Your Vote Counts! Accessible Electronic Ballots for CO Residents

As we draw closer to the November general election the staff of the Student Disability Center wanted to take some time to share some important information with you about how the State of Colorado has enhanced access to voting for people with disabilities.

Please note this information only applies to individuals registered to vote in Colorado. If you are registered to vote in another state please check with your state’s Secretary of State office to find out if your state offers similar opportunities.

Voter Registration

If you are a Colorado resident and would like to register to vote the SDC can provide you with an electronic voter registration form that you can fill out and mail in. These forms need to be submitted by October 26, 2020 in order to receive your ballot in the mail. If you would like to be sent an electronic voter registration form please email Brooke Simmons (brooke.simmons@colostate.edu).

Electronic ballot Access

Voters with a disability can now vote using an electronic ballot independently and privately from their own home or other location.

How do I access my electronic ballot?

During the 22 days before and on election day you can access your electronic ballot or view your sample ballot at myballot.sos.colorado.gov. Once on the website you will be guided through a step by step process to vote and return your ballot.

How do I vote using my electronic ballot?

During the 22 days before and on election day, the electronic ballot access website, myballot.sos.colorado.gov., will guide you through the process of voting using your ballot. Once you have completed your ballot, you must print the completed ballot, print the accessible ballot application provided, and then sign the accessible ballot application. All of these materials must be returned together. You may return your printed ballot materials in person to either a county drop-box or voter service and polling center or through the mail. Your ballot and application must be received no later than 7 PM on election day.

How do I make sure my registration is up to date?

To access your electronic ballot, your voter registration information must be up to date. Contact your county clerk or visit www.GoVoteColorado.com to verify your information if you have difficulty accessing your electronic ballot.

Voting In-person

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Voting Service and Polling Centers (VSPCs) to meet minimum thresholds of compliance in order to serve the needs of every voter across the country and in Colorado.

Parking

VSPCs are required to create enough accessible parking on premises. Access isles are required to be at least 60 inches for cars and 96 inches for vans.

Accessible routes from car/van to polling place

VSPCs are required to have no protruding objects, have wide enough routes, and to use signage to direct voters to the polling location.

Voting area

VSPCs are required to have accessible entry and exits, have a specific height for the voting machines, and have enough clearance when entering the voting area.

Temporary remedies

If a VSPC is a location where full compliance is not entirely possible, then the VSPC can and must takes steps to remedy the issue. VSPCs may remedy a lack of accessible parking signs and parking spaces by having temporary accessible parking signs and by using traffic cones to mark accessible parking spaces. If a VSPC does not already have an accessible ramp to enter the polling location, then the VSPC may construct temporary portable ramps. In addition, a VSPC may have doors that are outdated and lack the current standards of the day. In order to remedy this, a VSPC may open the doors to make them accessible by inserting door stops, wedges, and other means of propping doors open for use.

Questions

If you have further questions about voting in Colorado please visit the Colorado Secretary of State Voting and Elections website.