General tips for voting as a person with disability:
If you need a lot of help, strongly consider vote-by-mail.
- Vote-by-mail allows you to take as much time as needed.
If you vote in person, plan to use Early Voting.
- Lines are usually shorter.
- There are usually more poll workers available to help.
Vote-by-mail or early voting also gives more time to resolve issues, if needed.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- As always, be polite and respectful.
- Be as specific as possible about the help you need.
How to vote-by-mail using accessible systems:
- Alachua County Supervisor of Elections has contracted with OmniBallot for vote by mail.
- This allows voters with disabilities to access and mark your ballot using computer technology on your home device and printers, privately and independently.
- It is not an online voting system.
- Watch an example of completing a ballot using at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdi-Ge54TkM&t=3s
How to vote at the polls using the accessibility settings:
The voting machine allows you to mark the ballot securely and privately. Options include Audio, Enlarged Text, High Contrast (using the provided handset); or Sip’n’Puff or Paddle selection (using your handset).
- Check in with a poll worker.
- When you are given your ballot, tell the poll worker that you want to use the ADA Ballot Marking function.
- The poll worker will prepare the equipment.
- Insert your blank ballot into the machine.
- Make your selections using the provided handset or your Sip’n’Puff or Paddles.
- Let the machine know when you are done voting. The machine will mark your ballot with a built-in printer.
- Review the marked ballot and cast your ballot into that machine’s ballot box.
If you have trouble matching your signature:
You can sign with an X or a rubber stamp as your signature.
Update your signature in person or by mail at the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) at 515 N. Main Street, Suite 300; Gainesville, FL 32601.
Use the form at:
https://www.votealachua.com/Portals/Alachua/English%20Voter%20Registration%20Form.pdf
To request an accessible vote-by-mail ballot:
Complete the form available on:
https://www.votealachua.com/Voters/Vote-by-Mail/Omni-Ballot
Send the form to the SOE by mail, fax, in person, or as an email attachment to: votebymail@alachuacounty.us
What if my signature does not match my records?
You will complete a provisional ballot at the polls. Then complete the form at:
https://www.votealachua.com/Portals/Alachua/Provisional%20Ballot%20Cure%20Affidavit%20dsde210.pdf
Mail this form and a copy of your valid photo ID to the SOE, by fax to (352) 374-5264, or email it to mbruckman@alachuacounty.us
Deadline: August 25 at 5 pm.
How do I get additional help?
Call the Florida Democrats Voter Hotline at 1 (844) VOTE-FLA or email alachuavopro@gmail.com.
You can also call the SOE at (352) 374-5252. TDD: 352-491-4432.