Speaker with white cane at the Disability Pride Month Annual Picnic.
November 2, 2026
Voting is for everyone. Accessible polling locations help members of New York City’s disability community participate in decisions that affect our lives and communities.
Accessibility allows us to vote independently and make our own choices about who will represent us in office.
A true democracy in New York City only works if everyone has access to their ballot and the opportunity to create change. When we show up to vote as a strong, unified front, we can advocate for the changes our communities need.
This November, New Yorkers will head to the polls to vote for state and federal offices that shape our day-to-day lives. On our ballots, we will see candidates for offices such as Governor, State Attorney General, State Senator and Assembly Member. New Yorkers will also vote on five local ballot proposals that could change how local officials make decisions about issues like outdoor dining, street safety projects, and government budgeting.
At One Heart One Vision, a charitable organization owned and operated by blind women, we are dedicated to fighting the marginalization of blind women through free programs and resources. As our mission continues to grow, we remain committed to what makes us unique; we are run by blind women for blind and low-vision women. We are also expanding our services to reach more women from all walks of life and create new opportunities for connection, empowerment, and growth.
Through our partnership with NYC Votes, we want to make sure that everyone, both within the disability community and beyond, knows their rights at the polls before heading out to vote. In our workshops, we cover important topics like what’s on the ballot, how to use a ballot marking device (BMD), and the different ways participants can cast their votes.
If you have any issues getting to your poll site because of your disability, you can vote from home using a mail ballot. If your illness or disability is permanent, you can apply to the Board of Elections for permanent absentee status, which will allow you to automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot in every election. Ballot marking devices (BMDs) are also a great option for casting your ballot. These devices assist voters who are blind/low vision or have a disability or condition that makes it difficult or impossible to mark a ballot with a pen. You can use a BMD to see your ballot on a display screen, listen to your choices through headphones, or translate your ballot into additional languages. Any voter can request to use a BMD; they are available at all poll sites during early voting and on Election Day. You can also always ask a poll worker for help or bring someone to help you fill out your ballot as long as they are not your employer or union representative.
Nearly all poll sites require some form of temporary accessibility equipment, ranging from mats covering unsafe walking conditions to ramping systems that provide access for voters who cannot use the stairs. The needs of all poll sites are continually evaluated to ensure each location remains accessible throughout every election event. If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the voting process in New York City, please contact the New York City Board of Elections’ ADA Unit at ADACoordinator@boenyc.gov. The ADA Unit ensures poll sites throughout the five boroughs are accessible to all voters on Election Day and throughout Early Voting.
Accessibility is the practice of making information, activities, and environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible. It’s a living practice, not a one-time effort. We’re always learning and finding ways to do better.
Everyone has the right to participate in decisions that shape their communities and make their voices heard.
Get to the polls on November 3 and get ready to make change. For more information about your rights at the polls, visit NYCVotes.org, where you can take a deep dive on accessible voting options available to you.