NJ primary election 2023: Voting options for people with disabilities

Ahead of New Jersey's primary election Tuesday Secretary of State Tahesha Way said the state has taken steps to ensure access for voters with disabilities. "Every voter should be able to cast their ballot privately and securely," Way said in a statement last week outlining the procedures. "We appreciate the opportunity to extend this voting option to New Jersey's disabled voters."

Voters with accessibility needs can be accommodated at local polling sites where equipment awaits to help them view a ballot on a screen or hear an audio version that will help them mark and cast the ballot.

Voters who cannot vote using a paper ballot without assistance can reach out to their county clerk who will work with the group Democracy Live to get them an electronic ballot. The clerk's office will mail the voter the postage-paid ballot return envelope, and a certificate envelope for sealing the ballot.

The voter will receive an email with a link to a personalized ballot. From the link provided, the voter can mark the ballot using their own screen readers and screen magnifiers.

Once this process is completed, the ballot can be returned in the same manner as any other mail-in ballot. Ballots need to be postmarked by June 6.

If voters need assistance or have any questions, their local, county, and state election officials are available to help. Voters can reach out to the voter information/protection hotline at 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658- 6837). For more information on voting, visit Vote.NJ.Gov.

Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @myersgene