Houston lawyer reminds Texans of voting accommodations for disabled voters

Houston disability attorney Marc Whitehead is urging Texans with disabilities, chronic conditions and service-connected injuries to use state and federal voting protections ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. The reminder highlights curbside voting, assistance at the polls and accessible equipment available at Texas polling places.

Why it matters: - Texans with disabilities have legal protections meant to preserve private, independent voting. - Accessible options can reduce barriers for voters with mobility limits, visual impairments, chronic pain or service-connected injuries. - Voting or asking for accommodations does not, by itself, affect eligibility for SSDI, SSI or VA disability compensation.

What happened: - Houston disability attorney Marc Whitehead issued a reminder ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. - Whitehead told voters: “Your disability doesn't take away your voice. Know your rights before Tuesday.” - Whitehead also said: “Voting is a fundamental right, and individuals with disabilities should not feel discouraged from participating because they need additional assistance.”

The details: - Texas law allows curbside voting for people who are physically unable to enter a polling place without help or risk to their health. - Each polling location must designate a curbside parking space. - Voters can contact election workers by call, text, button or intercom. - Election workers can bring a ballot or voting equipment to the voter. - Voters using curbside voting must sign a short form confirming the need for the accommodation. - Voters who qualify for assistance may ask election workers for help or choose someone they trust to assist them. - Federal and state laws restrict who may provide assistance, including employers and union representatives. - Voters do not have to provide proof of a disability to request assistance. - Texas polling locations must provide accessible voting equipment for the Nov. 3 federal election. - Available features may include audio ballots and other assistive technologies. - Voters whose mobility impairment substantially limits walking must be moved ahead in line if they ask. - A person assisting a voter may vote at the same time. - Voters who receive SSDI, SSI or VA disability compensation may vote without automatically jeopardizing those benefits. - Benefit eligibility is determined under each program's applicable rules. - If voters encounter accessibility problems, they should contact the presiding election judge or local election officials first. - Voters can also call the Texas Secretary of State Elections Division at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) or Disability Rights Texas at 1-888-796-VOTE (8683). - More information is available at VoteTexas.gov or through the appropriate county elections office. - Texas polling locations are scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. - Voters in line by 7 p.m. may remain to cast their ballots.

Between the lines: - The reminder frames accessibility as both a legal right and a practical Election Day issue. - The guidance may also reassure disabled veterans and benefit recipients who worry that voting could trigger scrutiny of disability status. - The message emphasizes independence, privacy and voter confidence more than election procedure.

What's next: - Texans who need help should contact their local election officials before or during voting. - Voters who want to use an accommodation can plan ahead by reviewing county voting information and state resources before Tuesday. - Whitehead's firm, Marc Whitehead & Associates, is directing voters to disabilitydenials.com and its phone line for more information about the firm.

The bottom line: - Texas law gives disabled voters several ways to cast a ballot, and those protections remain available on Election Day.