Puerto Rico

Section 3.002 states:

…In carrying out this function, the Commission shall have the following duties, in addition to any others provided in this Act:…

• (m) To develop a plan for affirmative action and approve the pertinent regulations to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote of people with disabilities…

Section 5.008 states:

…In addition to any other functions and duties provided in this Act or the regulations promulgated thereunder, said Electoral Unit Boards shall: …

• (3) Set up an easy-access polling place in the Electoral Unit for people with disabilities…

Section 6.004 states:

A voter shall not lose his/her [Electoral] domicile due to [residing] permanently in a housing facility, elderly home, retirement center, assisted living community, or … persons with special needs may claim such residence to be his/her electoral domicile if it meets the conditions that his/her main personal activities revolve around it for health or disability reasons…

Section 6.014 states:

The Commission shall create and maintain election-related information systems via telephone or electronic media to allow voters direct access to verify their voter registration status. These systems shall be accessible to voters with disabilities…

Section 9.016 states:

In each precinct, polling center, or Electoral Unit, as established by the Commission through regulation, an easily accessible polling place shall be set up to facilitate the voting process for voters with disabilities.

Section 9.022 states:

Each polling place shall have election material available in quantities to be determined through regulations. Likewise, the Commission shall provide the necessary facilities and equipment through regulations so that persons with disabilities may exercise their right to vote.

Section 9.030 states:

Any voter who is unable to mark the ballots due to disability shall have the right to choose a person who, all the while safeguarding the secrecy of the vote, shall mark the ballots as instructed by the voter. The person chosen by the voter may be an official assigned to the voter’s polling place. The Commission shall provide other alternatives so that persons with disabilities may exercise their right to vote in an independent and secret manner. However, the voter shall be entitled to use the method of his/her preference.

Section 9.035 states:

Duly qualified voters who are entitled to the process of absentee voting are those who are outside of Puerto Rico on the day of an election and fall in one of the following categories:…

• (l) Any person who, on the date of a General Election, is undergoing medical treatment outside of Puerto Rico due to a catastrophic illness, thus declared in a sworn statement and in a certification issued by the medical institution where said treatment will be administered. Any relative or person who is accompanying the person receiving such treatment may also request the absentee vote…

Section 9.039 states:

Duly qualified voters shall be entitled to voluntarily cast their advance vote if they are in Puerto Rico and fall under any of the following categories…

• (j) Persons who are admitted to a duly authorized hospital, treatment center, or long-term health care facility that can certify that they shall still be admitted therein on the day of an election…

Excerpts from the Puerto Rico Election Code for the 21st Century (2011)