Here’s the introduction to the new voting guide:

Difficulties in communication can occur when interacting with a person who has cognitive impairment. The techniques and tips described in this guide will help make sure that your communication is as effective as possible and within the limits of assistance permitted by election laws.

The techniques and tips described in this guide can improve communication with a person who has cognitive impairment, consistent with election laws.

These techniques are especially important when interacting with persons who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other brain illnesses and disorders such as stroke or head injury

The guide discusses capacity to vote, communication challenges, and listening skills. The guide offers 10 case studies with suggestions for those who may be assisting such voters.

An underlying principle here is that people should not be treated any differently in voting rights based on any perceived impairment or other personal characteristic. People whose mental capacities are clearly intact may vote for candidates based on any whim or reason, rational or irrational. Similarly, for persons with some level of cognitive impairment, if they can indicate a desire to participate in the voting process and they can indicate a choice among available ballot selections, their reasons for such choice are not relevant.

The new voting guide is attached here –

Download (PDF, 4.95MB)

For additional information concerning special needs trusts and disability planning, visit:

NJ Special Needs Trusts and Disability Planning