Know Your Rights

Throughout history, the federal government has strengthened our voting rights and increased protections against unfair voting practices.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 makes it illegal for any state or local government to discriminate against racial or ethnic minority groups by denying them the right to vote. It also protects against discrimination of people in language minority groups. The Voting Rights Act was extended in 1970, 1975 and 1982. 

Assistance in Voting at the Polling Place

Under federal and Pennsylvania law, if you cannot enter the voting booth or use the voting system due to a disability, you can select a person to enter the voting booth with you to provide assistance. You can choose anyone to assist, except for your employer, an agent of your employer, an officer or agent of your union or the Judge of Elections. The first time you use assistance, you will have to complete and sign a form provided by the Election Officials at the polling place. After the first time, your registration record will include notation of your request for assistance.