US midterm election guidance is available in 11 languages; how voters can find translation help and understand their ballot

Voters throughout the US have options if they need assistance in understanding election information or in finding a polling place. There is federal protection of the voting rights of people with disabilities and election materials are available in a number of languages. From accessible voting machines to registration forms in translation, these services can all help to get more people involved in elections. The information is taken from USAGov.

What language assistance is available to voters?

The US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has resources for people who have a language barrier when it comes to voting. Their downloadable Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections is available in 11 languages and walks you through the key steps from registration to actually voting on Election Day.


The National Mail Voter Registration Form is available in 21 languages and can be used in most states to either register to vote or to update your existing registration. These resources provide voters with more ways of understanding the process and the steps they need to take in order to get involved in an election.

What facilities are available for disabled voters

Federal law (the ADA and the Help America Vote Act among them) protects the right of Americans with disabilities to vote. Voters have the right to vote in private and to use accessible polling stations with voting machines for people with disabilities.

Polling places must provide wheelchair accessible voting booths, accessible entrances and doorways (at least 32" wide), handrails on all stairs and voting equipment for the blind and visually impaired.

Voters who need help can ask a trained poll worker for assistance with the voting machines. Voters who need help can also bring a person with them to the polls to help them vote.

Federal law permits people who are unable to read or write to bring someone with them to the polls to assist them.

More ways to make voting accessible

Some states have curbside voting where a poll worker comes to you with your ballot. Local groups may also provide transport to the polling place.

Many states allow voters with a disability to submit an absentee ballot by mail which is another option for those who are unable to get to or use a polling place.

Who should voters get in touch with for assistance?

Anyone who thinks they're going to need any kind of accommodation when voting in person should get in touch with their state or local election office prior to Election Day. They can then explain what assistance is available and what the voter can expect at the polling place.

Checking these boxes in advance can help the voter to understand their options and go into Election Day with a greater degree of confidence.