Our Commitment
The State of New York is committed to ensuring that every citizen's voice is heard through the democratic election process. To fulfill that commitment, we have taken steps to accommodate a variety of voter needs and circumstances. We recognize that the health and vitality of our democracy rests on universal access to and full participation in the election process, and that each voter should be treated equally and with respect.
Find out what voting machines will be available at your poll site this year.
Meeting Voter Access Needs
One of the most sweeping reforms mandated by the Help America Vote Act was in the way that polling places ensure access to the voting process for voters with disabilities. In compliance with this law, the State of New York addresses the needs of all voters by providing voting systems that include features such as Sip-N-Puff devices, paddles, and audio or tactile controls.
Additionally, the training required to be completed by everyone who works in a polling place on Election Day now includes a session on how to provide voting-related assistance, as needed, to voters with disabilities. Poll workers learn about issues confronting voters with disabilities, including access barriers and the need to make reasonable modifications of policies and procedures to allow equal access to vote.
Pollworker Training
Pollworkers are responsible for maintaining an atmosphere in your polling place that is appropriate for your voting experience. They will ensure that your polling place is neat, orderly, and free from electioneering by candidates and their supporters. The State of New York and your Board of Elections provide extensive training opportunities for all pollworkers, educating them on election day procedures, the operation of voting machines, problem resolution techniques, and in how to assist all voters, as necessary.
- Poll worker training covers the following topics:
- The proper operation and maintenance of the voting systems to be used in your polling place;
- The rights of voters to cast affidavit ballots, the proper processing and counting of those ballots and how affidavit ballot voters can determine whether their votes were counted and, if not, why not;
- The non-discriminatory application of identification requirements for voters who are so identified in the poll book for your district;
- Assisting voters with disabilities, as may be necessary, in order that such voters can participate fully, independently, and privately in the voting process;
- Ensuring that the rights of minority language voters in jurisdictions covered under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 receive language assistance when they vote.
Physical Space Compliance
The State of New York is charged with implementing the Title II requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and with the Title III requirements of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Included in these requirements are such things as the provision of accessible parking spaces, barrier-free paths that are wheelchair and walking aid-friendly, elevators for any polling places not on ground level, and doorways that are wide enough for wheelchair passage.
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