A voter may request help because of a disability or because the voter cannot read or write. Assistance can be provided by election workers or by a person selected by the voter.



A voter may generally choose:



&#8211; A family member



&#8211; A spouse or partner



&#8211; A friend



&#8211; A caregiver



&#8211; A trusted companion



&#8211; An election worker



The voter decides whether assistance is needed and what type of help to request. A voter does not surrender control of the ballot by asking for assistance.



The assistant must follow the voter’s instructions. The assistant cannot make independent selections, suggest how to vote or change a selection without the voter’s direction.

Who Can Help Me Vote in Arizona?

Federal rules generally allow a voter who needs assistance because of blindness, disability or an inability to read or write to choose a helper. However, the chosen person cannot be:



The voter’s employer



An agent of the voter’s employer



An officer or agent of the voter’s union



If a person falls into one of these categories, ask an election worker to provide assistance or select another trusted individual.



A coworker who is not acting for the employer may not automatically be excluded, but selecting a family member, friend, caregiver or election worker can avoid uncertainty. Ask the location supervisor if you have questions about whether a particular person can assist.

Who Cannot Serve as a Voter’s Assistant?

A voting assistant may provide only the help the voter requests. Depending on the voter’s needs, that assistance may include:



&#8211; Reading ballot instructions aloud



&#8211; Reading the names and options printed on the ballot



&#8211; Explaining how the voting equipment operates



&#8211; Helping the voter navigate an accessible voting device



&#8211; Physically marking selections as directed



&#8211; Reviewing the ballot with the voter



&#8211; Correcting a selection at the voter’s direction



&#8211; Helping the voter submit the completed ballot



The assistant should communicate neutrally and accurately. When reading the ballot, the assistant should read the available information without adding personal opinions or recommendations.



If the assistant marks the ballot, every mark must reflect the voter’s stated choice. The voter may ask the assistant to stop at any time or request a different assistant.

What Can a Voting Assistant Do?

A voting assistant must not:



&#8211; Tell the voter which selection to make



&#8211; Pressure the voter to choose a particular option



&#8211; Mark the ballot without the voter’s direction



&#8211; Change a selection without permission



&#8211; Refuse to make a selection directed by the voter



&#8211; Share how the voter marked the ballot



&#8211; Photograph or copy the completed ballot



&#8211; Use the assistance process to influence the voter



&#8211; Complete the ballot while the voter is absent



Assistance exists to help the voter communicate and record personal choices. It does not give the assistant authority over the ballot.



If an assistant ignores your instructions, notify an election worker immediately. You may ask for a replacement ballot when necessary and request help from a different person.

What Is a Voting Assistant Not Allowed to Do?

Yes, a qualifying family member may help mark the ballot when the voter requests assistance and directs each selection. The family member must not be the voter’s employer or an agent of the voter’s employer or union.



Before entering the voting area, tell an election worker that you want your family member to assist you. The worker may explain the assistance procedure and complete any required documentation.



The family member should:



Listen carefully to the voter



Mark only the selections the voter identifies



Ask for clarification instead of making assumptions



Review the ballot when requested



Preserve the voter’s privacy



Avoid discussing the ballot afterward



A family relationship does not give someone permission to assist without the voter’s consent. The decision to request assistance belongs to the voter.

Can a Family Member Mark My Ballot?

Yes. A voter may ask election workers for assistance instead of bringing a personal assistant. Tell a worker at check-in what kind of help you need.



Election workers may help with:



&#8211; Reading instructions



&#8211; Explaining the voting process



&#8211; Locating accessible equipment



&#8211; Adjusting permitted accessibility settings



&#8211; Navigating the ballot



&#8211; Marking the ballot according to the voter’s directions



&#8211; Correcting a voting mistake



&#8211; Submitting the completed ballot



When ballot assistance is required, the location may assign election workers according to its established procedure. They must protect ballot privacy and follow the voter’s directions.



You do not need to know the technical name of an accommodation. Describe the barrier you are experiencing and the type of help that would allow you to vote.

Can an Election Worker Help Me?

A companion does not necessarily become a voting assistant simply by traveling with a voter or entering the voting location.



A companion may help with ordinary activities such as:



Providing transportation



Locating accessible parking



Opening a door



Helping the voter reach the check-in area



Carrying personal belongings



Communicating a general accessibility request



Waiting nearby while the voter marks the ballot



The companion generally becomes a voting assistant when the person helps the voter read, understand, mark or review the ballot itself.



Tell an election worker before the companion begins providing ballot-related assistance. The worker can explain the applicable procedure and determine whether any assistance record must be completed.

When Does a Companion Become an Official Assistant?

Children may generally accompany a parent, guardian or caregiver into an Arizona voting location. A child may also accompany the adult into the voting booth when permitted by the location’s procedures.



Keep the child close and make sure the child does not:



&#8211; Disrupt other voters



&#8211; Touch voting equipment without permission



&#8211; Mark or handle another person’s ballot



&#8211; Interfere with check-in



&#8211; Reveal another voter’s private selections



&#8211; Enter restricted election-work areas



A young child who simply remains with the voter is a companion, not a voting assistant. If an older child reads or marks the ballot for the voter, the child may be treated as an assistant and the voter should notify an election worker first.



If you have questions about bringing multiple children, a stroller or other equipment, contact your county elections office before visiting.

Can I Bring My Child Into the Voting Location?

A caregiver may accompany a voter to help with mobility, communication, personal care or other disability-related needs. The caregiver does not become a ballot assistant unless they help read, mark or review the ballot.



A caregiver may assist with:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Entering and moving through the location</li>



<li>Using a wheelchair or mobility aid</li>



<li>Communicating with election workers</li>



<li>Managing medical or accessibility equipment</li>



<li>Reaching the accessible voting station</li>



<li>Maintaining personal safety and comfort</li>
</ul>



If the caregiver will also assist with the ballot, inform an election worker. As with any assistant, the caregiver must follow the voter’s instructions and keep the ballot private.



For details about entrances, parking and voting equipment, read the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/arizona-accessible-voting-parking-equipment-assistance"> Arizona accessible voting guide</a>.

Can a Caregiver Accompany Me?

Yes. A voter who receives assistance retains the right to a private ballot. The assistant and election workers should not disclose how the ballot was marked.



Only the people necessary to provide the requested help should be involved. Other companions should remain outside the voting booth unless their presence is needed as an accommodation or permitted by the location.



If you are concerned about privacy:



Tell the assistant exactly what help you want.



Ask other companions to wait outside the booth.



Use accessible voting equipment when it allows greater independence.



Ask an election worker to lower the audio volume or provide headphones.



Review every selection before submitting the ballot.



Report any attempt to pressure you or reveal your selections.



A voter may change assistants if the original helper does not respect these boundaries.

Is Voting Assistance Private?

Every Arizona polling place, vote center and in-person early voting location should have an accessible voting device. Depending on the equipment used by the county, the device may offer audio instructions, enlarged text, high contrast, tactile controls or compatibility with assistive input devices.



Accessible equipment is designed to help voters mark and review a ballot privately and independently. Ask an election worker to explain the device and adjust its available settings.



A voter may use accessible equipment and still request help. Using a voting device does not prevent a family member, caregiver or election worker from providing additional assistance when permitted.

Accessible Equipment May Reduce the Need for Assistance

If a disability or physical limitation prevents you from entering the building, ask whether curbside voting or another accommodation is available. A companion may alert an election worker, or you may be able to call a number posted at the location.



Procedures can depend on the location. Review the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/arizona-curbside-voting-how-to-vote-from-your-car"> Arizona curbside voting guide</a> and contact your county elections office before traveling if you expect to need curbside service.



Do not leave simply because the entrance appears inaccessible. Ask an election worker about another entrance, a temporary accessibility feature or an alternative voting arrangement.

What If I Cannot Enter the Voting Location?

A current registration record can prevent unnecessary delays for you and anyone accompanying you. Use <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/Vote"> Register to Vote</a> to register or review your voter registration information.



Check that your record includes your:



&#8211; Current legal name



&#8211; Current residential address



&#8211; Correct mailing address



&#8211; Correct Arizona county



&#8211; Active registration status



If you recently moved or changed your name, verify that the update was processed. A companion may help you access registration information, but you should protect sensitive personal details and review the information yourself when possible.

Check Your Voter Registration Before Election Day

A voter receiving assistance must still complete Arizona’s standard check-in and identification process. Your helper may assist you with retrieving, holding or presenting documents, but election workers must verify the voter’s information.



Review the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/arizona-voter-id-what-to-bring-to-vote-2026"> Arizona voter ID requirements</a> before leaving home. Make sure your identification and registration record reasonably match.



Keep your documents in an accessible location. If reaching or handling your identification is difficult, tell the election worker what assistance you need.

Bring Acceptable Identification

If an election worker cannot locate your voter registration record, do not leave immediately. Ask the worker to search using:



Your previous address



A former or previous name



Your date of birth



Alternate spelling or spacing



Your current residential address



A companion may help communicate this information, but the voter should answer identity questions whenever possible.



Read what to do when your <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/arizona-name-not-on-voter-roster-what-to-do"> name is not on the Arizona voter roster</a>. If eligibility cannot be confirmed, an election worker may explain whether a provisional ballot is appropriate.

What If My Registration Cannot Be Found?

When you <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/plan"> plan to vote</a>, include the assistance and accessibility details that matter to you.



Before voting:



&#8211; Verify your voter registration.



&#8211; Confirm your voting location.



&#8211; Review identification requirements.



&#8211; Decide whether to bring a trusted assistant.



&#8211; Make sure the assistant is permitted to help.



&#8211; Discuss the exact help you want.



&#8211; Contact the county about accessibility accommodations.



&#8211; Ask which accessible voting equipment is available.



&#8211; Arrange transportation and childcare if necessary.



&#8211; Allow additional time for check-in and assistance.



&#8211; Save your county elections office’s contact information.



When you arrive, tell an election worker that you need assistance before entering the booth. Clearly state whether you want help from your companion or from election workers. Review the completed ballot carefully and make sure every selection reflects your instructions before submitting it.



Voters should never feel rushed, pressured or embarrassed for requesting help. Assistance, accessible equipment and companion support are available to make the voting process usable while keeping the voter in control.



If you want to support voter registration and help other Arizona voters prepare, <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/getinvolved"> get involved</a> and learn how you can participate in voter outreach in your community.

Make a Plan for Voting With Assistance

Learn who may help Arizona voters mark a ballot, employer and union representative rules, and whether children or companions may join you at the polls.

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Arizona Voting Assistance: Who Can Help You Vote, and Bringing a Child or Companion