Accessible Voting Resources from Paralyzed Veterans of America
Source: PVA.org
Put your voting plan in place
Voting is one of our most important civil rights, but paralyzed veterans and other people living with disabilities are faced with accessibility challenges. Paralyzed Veterans of America wants to ensure you have all the information you need to cast your vote safely and securely by helping you make your voting access plan.
Now more than ever, it is important that veterans and all people living with disabilities are electing state, local and national officials that represent issues that are important to the disability and veteran communities. Your vote counts and is important.
As a result of COVID-19, it is expected that voting locations could change, be reduced in number or have longer wait times due to extra cleaning and distancing precautions. Make a voting access plan now so you can vote through your preferred method and feel at ease and confident your vote will count.
STEP 1: Determine your consideration factors:
- Dexterity
- Stamina
- Vision
- Hearing
- Accessibility
- COVID-19 exposure risks
STEP 2: Understand voting options available to you in your state:
- Mail-in absentee voting
- Early voting
- Electronic voting
- In-Person voting
Understand your state’s laws and the voting options available to you by reviewing the chart below and clicking through to your state voting website. Each state has different voting methods available to residents. Be sure to check the deadline for each voting method and plan ahead.
There are 40 states that have enacted early voting for the 2020 presidential election. The chart below includes information on the time period and deadlines for which early voting begins from state to state.
This page provides a state-by-state comparison of policies on early voting options. Voters should check with their local elections office or district clerk to find specific days and times that polling places are open since there may be fewer locations offered in some states this year. If you choose to vote in-person, you may find your polling location by inputting your zip code or address. This information can be found through state websites linked below.
STEP 3: Make your plan
- Make sure you are registered to vote
- Understand deadlines for your preferred voting method
- Complete all requested documentation
- Do a trial run! If casting a ballot in person, visit your voting location to confirm accessibility
- Contact your individual polling place to confirm processes that will be in place and accessibility needs
- Adhere to deadlines and don’t wait
*last updated 8/5/2020 - visit your local state voting authority from the table below for more updates.
| State | Early Voting Begins | Early Voting Ends | Locations | Hours and Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alaska |
15 days before election |
Day of election |
Elections supervisors’ offices Other locations as designated by election director |
Varies by location |
|
ARS §16-541, 16-542 |
26 days before election |
Friday before election |
Recorder’s office Any other locations in the county the recorder deems necessary |
Not specified |
|
Arkansas |
15 days before election |
5 p.m. Monday before election |
Offices of county clerk Other locations as determined by county board of election commissioners |
Not specified |
|
California |
29 days before election |
Day before election |
County election officials’ offices Satellite locations as determined by county election officials |
Varies from county to county |
|
Delaware |
At least 10 days before an election | Sunday before election |
Designated by state election commissioner At least one per county and one additional in the City of Wilmington |
At least 8 hours per day. Polling sites must open at 7 a.m. on at least 5 days of early voting. Closing time is 7 p.m. Includes the Saturday and Sunday before the election |
|
District of Columbia |
7 days before election, but in-person absentee voting is available 15 days before |
Saturday before election for early voting, day before election for in-person absentee |
Council Chambers One satellite location in each ward |
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday excluded |
|
Florida |
10 days before election May be offered 11 to 15 days before an election that contains state and federal races, at the discretion of the elections supervisor |
3 days before election May end 2 days before an election that contains state and federal races, at the discretion of the elections supervisor |
Main or branch offices of elections supervisors Other sites designated by the elections supervisor (locations must provide all voters in that area with equal opportunity to vote) |
No less than 8 or more than 12 hours per day Election supervisors may choose to provide additional days of early voting, including weekends |
|
Georgia |
Fourth Monday prior to a primary or election; as soon as possible prior to a runoff |
Friday immediately prior to a primary, election or runoff |
Board of registrars’ offices Other sites as designated by boards of registrars (must be a government building generally accessible to the public) |
Normal business hours on weekdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second Saturday prior to primary or election Election officials may provide for early voting beyond regular business hours |
|
Hawaii |
10 working days before election |
Saturday before election |
Clerks’ offices Other sites designated by clerks |
Hours determined by county clerks. |
|
Idaho |
Third Monday before election (in-person absentee) |
5 p.m., Friday before election |
Determined by county clerk |
Not specified |
|
Illinois |
40th day before election for temporary polling locations and 15th day before election for permanent locations |
End of the day before election day |
An election authority may establish permanent and temporary polling places for early voting at locations throughout the election authority’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to: Municipal clerk’s office Township clerk’s office Road district clerk’s office County or local public agency office Early voting locations must be provided at public universities |
Permanent early voting locations must remain open from the fifteenth day before an election during the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays. Beginning eight days before an election, they must remain open 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.-Noon on Saturdays and holidays, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays. Permanent early voting locations must stay open at least 8 hours on any holiday and a total of at least 14 hours on the final weekend during the early voting period. Election authorities may decide the days and hours for temporary early voting locations, beginning the fortieth day before an election. |
|
Indiana |
28 days before election (in-person absentee) | Noon, day before election |
Office of circuit court clerk County election board may adopt a resolution to authorize the circuit court clerk to establish satellite offices for early voting |
The office of the circuit court clerk must permit in-person absentee voting for at least seven hours on each of the two Saturdays preceding election day, but a county with fewer than 20,000 voters may reduce this to a minimum of four hours on each of the two Saturdays preceding election day |
|
Iowa |
29 days before election (in-person absentee) | 5 p.m., day before election |
Commissioners’ offices Satellite locations may be established by commissioner Satellite location must be established upon receipt of a petition signed by at least 100 eligible electors requesting a specific location |
A satellite station established by petition must be open at least one day for a minimum of six hours |
|
Kansas |
20 days before election OR Tuesday before election (varies by county) | Noon, day before election |
Offices of county election officers County election officers may designate satellite locations |
Not specified |
|
Louisiana |
14 days before election | 7 days before election |
Registrars’ offices Registrar may provide alternate location in the courthouse or a public building in the immediate vicinity thereof One branch office of the registrar, as long as it is in a public building |
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday Holidays excluded |
|
Maine |
In-person absentee voting available as soon as absentee ballots are ready (30-45 days before election) |
Three business days before election, unless the voter has an acceptable excuse. |
Municipal clerks’ offices |
During regular business hours on days when clerks’ offices are open |
|
Maryland |
Second Thursday before a primary or general election |
Thursday before election |
Established by State Board of Elections in collaboration with local boards Number required depends on county population and ranges from one to five per county |
8 a.m.-8 p.m. in a presidential election 10 a.m.-8 p.m. each day in all other elections |
|
Michigan |
In-person absentee voting during the 40 days before an election | Day before election | At least one location |
During regular business hours and for at least eight hours during the Saturday and/or Sunday immediately prior to the election. Local election officials have the authority to make in-person absentee voting available for additional times and places beyond what is required. |
|
Massachussets |
Eleven days before election |
Second business day before election (Friday before) |
City hall election office and town clerk’s office Alternate or additional locations may be provided at the discrection of the city or town registrar |
Regular business hours. City or town clerks may provide additional hours (including weekends) at their discretion. |
|
Minnesota |
46 days before election (in-person absentee) |
5 p.m. the day before election |
Elections offices or any other location designated by county auditor |
Monday through Friday regular business hours. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday before election; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the day before Election Day. |
|
Montana |
30 days before election (in-person absentee) |
Day before election |
Elections offices |
Not specified |
|
Nebraska |
30 days before each an election. |
Election Day |
County clerk or election commissioners’ offices |
Not specified |
|
Nevada |
Third Saturday preceding election |
Friday before election |
Permanent places for early voting as designated by county clerk Branch polling places for early voting as designated by county clerk There are special requirements for early voting sites on Native American reservations. |
Until Dec. 31, 2019: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday of the first and second weeks. The Clerk may conduct early voting until 8 p.m. during the second week. At least four hours between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on any Saturday that falls during the period. Sundays and holidays are excepted, but a clerk may include them as early voting days.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020: Monday through Friday for at least 8 hours a day, to be established by the clerk. Any Saturday that falls within the early voting period for at least 4 hours, to be established by the clerk. A clerk may choose to offer Sunday hours as well. |
|
New Jersey |
45 days before election (in-person absentee) |
3 p.m. the day before election |
Office of the county clerk |
Not specified |
|
New Mexico |
Third Saturday before election |
Saturday before election |
Clerks’ offices and: Class A counties with more than 200,000 registered voters: clerk must establish at least 12 alternate locations Class A counties with 200,000 or fewer registered voters: clerk must establish at least 4 alternate locations Non-class A counties with more than 10,000 registered voters: clerk must establish at least one alternate location Non-class A counties with 10,000 or fewer registered voters: clerk’s office and alternate locations as designated by clerk |
Hours are set by the clerk, and must begin no earlier than 7 a.m. and end no later than 9 p.m. Each alternate location must be open for at least eight consecutive hours on each day of early voting, and may be closed on Sundays and Mondays |
|
New York |
10th day before election | Second day before an election | At least one early voting location for every full increment of 50,000 registered voters in each county, but not more than seven are required. Counties with fewer than 50,000 registered voters shall have at least one early voting location. Counties and the city of New York may choose to establish more than the minimum required. Early voting sites shall be located so that voters have adequate and equitable access. |
Open for at least eight hours between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. each weekday during the early voting period. At least one early voting site shall be open until 8 p.m. on at least two weekdays in each calendar week during the early voting period. Open for at least five hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on each Saturday, Sunday and legal holiday during the early voting period. Boards of elections may establish a greater number of hours for voting during the early voting period beyond what is required. |
|
North Carolina |
Third Wednesday before election |
7 p.m. on the last Friday before election |
Office of county board of elections The county board of elections may choose to offer additional locations, subject to approval by the state board of elections. All sites must be open during the same days and hours. |
Monday through Friday during regular business hours at the county board of elections. A county board may conduct early voting on weekends. If the county board of elections opens early voting sites on Saturdays or Sundays during the early voting period, then all sites shall be open for the same number of hours uniformly throughout the county on those days. There are exceptions for counties with islands that contain no bridges to the mainland. |
|
North Dakota |
15 days before election |
Day before election |
At the discretion of county auditor |
The county auditor chooses and publishes the hours |
|
Ohio |
28 days before election (in-person absentee) |
2 p.m. Monday before election |
Main office of board of elections Board may conduct voting at a branch office only under certain conditions |
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some extended evening hours in the week prior to the election 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday 1-5 p.m. on the Sunday before Election Day |
|
Oklahoma |
Thursday preceding an election (in-person absentee) |
2 p.m. on the Saturday before election |
At a location designated by the county election board. For counties of more than 25,000 registered voters or with an area of more than 1,500 sq. miles, more than one location may be designated |
8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Monday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday |
|
South Dakota |
45 days before election (in-person absentee) |
5 p.m. the day before the election |
Office of the person in charge of elections |
Regular office hours |
|
Tennessee |
20 days before election |
Five days before election (seven days for a presidential preference primary) |
County election commission office |
Offices must be open a minimum of three consecutive hours on weekdays and Saturdays between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. during the early voting period On at least three days, offices must be open between 4:30-7 p.m., and on at least one Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. |
|
Texas |
17 days before election |
Four days prior to election |
In a room in the offices of the county clerk, or elsewhere as determined by the clerk Each county has one main early voting center |
During business hours on weekdays unless: Fewer than 1,000 voters, in which case three hours per day, or More than 100,000 voters, in which case 12 hours per day during the last week |
|
Utah |
14 days before election |
Friday before election, though an election official may choose to extend the early voting period to the day before the election |
In government offices as determined by election officer |
At least four days per week, and on the last day of the EV period. The election officer may elect to conduct early voting on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. |
|
Vermont |
45 days before election (in-person absentee) |
5 p.m. day before election |
Offices of town clerks Clerks may make “mobile polling stations” available |
Not specified |
|
Virginia (Note: goes into effect in 2020) |
The second Saturday before the election for all registered voters (45 days before for those with a valid excuse) | 5 p.m. Saturday before election | Office of the general registrar. Additional locations in public buildings may be provided at local discretion. |
Regular business hours. A minimum of eight hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the two Saturdays before the election. |
|
West Virginia And SB 581 |
13 days before election |
Three days before election |
Courthouse or the annex next to the courthouse County commission may designate additional areas, subject to requirements prescribed by the Secretary of State |
Must be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays through EV period |
|
Wisconsin |
Sunday preceding the election |
Clerks’ offices |
A municipality shall specify the hours. |
|
|
Wyoming |
40 days before election (in-person absentee) |
Day before election |
County clerks’ offices Courthouse or other public building |
Must be open regular hours on normal business days |
| State | Early Voting Begins | Early Voting Ends | Locations | Hours and Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Colorado C.R.S. §1-5-102 |
Voter service and polling centers must be open 15 days before an election. | Day of election. | Determined by county election officials. | Every day but Sunday during the early voting period. Normal business hours (but may be expanded by county board of commissioners). |
|
Oregon §254.470, Secretary of State Rules |
Dropsites must open the Friday before an election, but may open as soon as ballots are available (18 days before). | Day of election. | Election offices or other staffed locations (libraries, city halls, etc.) or outdoor mailboxes (drive-by or walking traffic). | Normal business hours. |
|
Washington RCW §29A.40.160 |
Vote centers must be open 18 days before an election. | 8 p.m. on day of election. | Election offices or other locations designated by the county auditor. | Normal business hours. |
| Territory | Early Voting Begins | Early Voting Ends | Locations | Hours and Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
U.S. Virgin Islands 18 V.I.C. §94a |
14 days before an election. | 3 days before an election. | Permanent main or branch office of the supervisor of elections for the district. The supervisor of elections may also designate public or government-owned facilities. However, these sites must be geographically located so as to provide all electors in the district an equal opportunity to cast a ballot, insofar as is practicable. | No less than eight hours and no more than 12 hours per day at each site. |
For more resources on voting, visit https://www.pva.org/vote.
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