By Maria Samuels – WDOMI Executive Director
For the first time, there is an accessible absentee ballot option available to qualified people with disabilities. For Westchester County, this applies to the June 23rd Democratic Presidential Primary only. Due to a lawsuit by a group of disability rights organizations, the NYS Board of Election has to provide accessible absentee ballots for those who cannot read and complete the ballot privately and independently because of their disability.
First, you must apply for your ballot. Voters with disabilities can apply using the Accessible Absentee Ballot Application.
You must email the completed application to the Westchester Board of Elections no later than June 16, 2020 to [email protected]
After you apply, an accessible electronic absentee ballot will be emailed to you.
Once you have completed the online ballot, print it, place it in an envelope, and sign the back of the envelope. The ballot must be hand-delivered by 9 P.M. on Tuesday, June 23rd, or mailed and postmarked no later than Monday, June 22nd, and received by the county board of elections by Tuesday, June 30th.
Mail or drop off ballots to the following address:
WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
25 Quarropas Street
White Plains, NY 10601
https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/
The system is still not fully accessible but it’s far more accessible than before. Remember, this change only applies to the June 23rd primary. Disability rights groups are fighting to make this permanent going forward. For more information on this especially important advocacy, go to Disability Rights New York’s website.
If you have questions on the accessible absentee ballot, do not hesitate to call the Board of Elections at 914-995-5700 Monday-Friday, 9 A.M – 5 P.M.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, GO TO:
HOW TO VOTE IN NEW YORK’S PRIMARY ON JUNE 23RD
DISABILITY RIGHTS NEW YORK’S PRESS RELEASE