New Jersey's Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way is urging voters with disabilities to utilize accessible voting options for the 2024 General Election. As Secretary of State, she oversees the Division of Elections and assures that "disabled voters in New Jersey should rest assured that they can privately and securely cast their ballot."
The state provides various in-person voting options, including accommodations at local polling places or county early voting sites. Voters can use special equipment to view or hear the ballot and mark it accordingly. Additionally, voters may designate someone to assist them at polling locations.
For those unable to vote via a paper ballot without help, New Jersey offers an accessible ballot option through Democracy Live. This organization assists voters with disabilities in casting their votes independently. To use this option, a voter must contact their County Clerk to request an accessible vote-by-mail ballot. The clerk will coordinate with Democracy Live to deliver a secure electronic ballot. Voters receive an email link to their personalized ballot, which they can mark using personal assistive technology before printing and returning it by mail.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on November 5 and received by November 11. If a voter cannot sign or make a mark on the certificate attached to the inner envelope, they may request a "Certificate of Assistor Signing for a Voter with a Disability" from their County Clerk’s Office.
Lieutenant Governor Way emphasized the importance of participation: “We encourage every eligible New Jersey citizen to exercise their right to vote. It’s our goal to make sure all registered voters have the opportunity to play an active role in our great democracy.”
