CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Alana Manrow says she has been legally blind for more than 20 years.
Manrow, the director of public affairs for the South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, says that a volunteer was able to help her at her voting location.
“We all have that right and it is more challenging perhaps you’re deaf or hard of hearing you can go to the deaf and hard of hearing center, they will provide an interpreter for you and you can also call and make an appointment,” says Manrow.
Nueces County Clerk Kara Sands says voters with a disability are allowed to bring someone to help them but restrictions are enforced. Voters with a disability can also apply to the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption.
“They just need to take the Oath of Assistance and then they can assist you… and remember with assistance you can not tell someone how to vote you can’t guide them, you can’t point (but) you can absolutely have someone read it to them,” says Sands.
Manrow says those with a disability should not give up and complete their ballot no matter how long it takes.
“It’s important," she said. "Your voice matters in such a tight race this year every vote counts and I just want to encourage people don’t let your disabilities hold you back in voting or whatever it is you do."
