For Immediate Release - June 1, 2010

June 8: Statewide hotline for voters with disabilities, open 7am – 8 pm

Contacts: Fred Nisen (510) 267-1200
Hillary Sklar (213) 427- 8747

Oakland, CA – Californians with disabilities who are voting in the statewide primary election on June 8 will have a toll-free hotline to assistance in gaining equal access to the process. With funding from the Help America Vote Act, Disability Rights California, (formerly Protection and Advocacy, Inc.), is operating the hotline from early morning until the polls close on June 8. Staff with experience in voting issues will answer phone calls from  voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places, casting ballots or have questions about voting.

The primary purpose of the hotline is to fix problems on Election Day that are creating barriers keeping people with disabilities from voting 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.  In addition, Disability Rights California uses the hotline to track and respond to systemic issues.

The hotline will be operated 7 am - 8 pm on June 8. Our hotline is equipped to receive voice and TTY calls.  The toll-free number for voice calls is: 888- 569-7955.  The toll-free number for TTY calls is: 800-719-5798.  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.