Changes to Absentee and Curbside Voting

Home / disability rights / Changes to Absentee and Curbside Voting

How has the Accessibility of Absentee Ballots Changed?

Electronic Delivery

  • When: Starting July 1, 2021
  • Who: Voters with visual impairments or print disabilities
  • What: Eligible voters will be able to electronically receive and mark absentee ballots using a screen reader.

Requesting Voting Assistance

  • When: Starting July 1, 2021
  • Who: Voters in need of assistance due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write
  • What: Absentee ballot applications will include a space for eligible voters to request voting assistance. Voters with visual impairments or print disabilities will be entitled to a ballot marking tool with screen reading capability.

How will Curbside Voting Change?

Who Is Eligible?

  • Voters with a temporary or permanent physical disability or suffering from an injury
  • Voters age 65 or older
  • Any voter during a declared state of emergency related to a communicable disease

Where Will It Take Place?

  • Within 150 feet of the polling place entrance
  • In a clearly marked area with posted instructions on how to request to vote curbside

How Does Voting Curbside Work

  • Voters will mark ballots privately in the presence of an election officer. Then, the officer will cast the ballot or if available, voters may use an electronic voting machine.

More Information about Absentee Voting and curbside voting can be found at The Virginia Department for Elections website.

(New) Updated Voting Laws in Virginia

In this episode, advocate Joliefawn Liddell, and two of our legal interns, Mary Grace Whitten & Camille Karabaich, share with us all about the updated voting laws in Virginia.  A lot of things have changed as of July 1, 2020, and due to COVID-19, so tune in to stay up to date with all the new procedures and deadlines.  You can find out more information about voting in Virginia on our Voting page.

How can dLCV help?

dLCV can provide information, technical assistance and, in some cases, legal representation. You can reach our Office by calling (800) 552-3962.

Our services are free of charge.  Advocates are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Call 1-800-552-3962 (toll-free) or 804-225-2042 to request assistance OR complete the Online Request for dLCV Services.  If you don’t speak English, we have access to a “language line” that helps us communicate with you in your own language.