Oakland, CA- Californians with disabilities who are voting in the special statewide election on May 19 have an ally in assuring full and equal access to the process. With funding from the Help America Vote Act, Disability Rights California, (formerly Protection and Advocacy, Inc.), is operating a toll-free hotline for voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places, casting ballots or have questions about voting.

The purpose of the hotline is to fix problems on Election Day that are creating barriers to allowing people with disabilities to vote independently and privately. Examples are: limited access for voters living in nursing homes and other residential facilities; polling places with inaccessible parking or steep curb ramps; narrow doorways and aisles; voting equipment placed on inaccessible tables or stages; poor disability trainings for poll workers; and, poll sites said to be "accessible" when they are not.

Our hotline is equipped to receive voice and TTY calls. The toll-free number for voice calls is: 800-776-5746. The toll-free number for TTY calls is: 800-719-5798. Advocates are available in all Disability Rights California regional offices and when you dial our toll-free number, you will be connected with the office nearest you. Individuals who speak languages other than English should state their language and an interpreter will be connected to the call. Callers who wish to use the California Relay Service, Speech to Speech Service or Video Relay can dial 711.