(a) Eligibility.— If a registered elector by reason of blindness, disability or inability to read or write is unable to read the names on the ballot or on the voting machine labels or is unable to see or mark the ballot or operate the voting machine or to enter the voting compartment or voting machine booth without assistance, the following apply:

1. (1) The elector may, at least ten days prior to the next election, personally make application to the commission or a registrar or a clerk.
2. (2) The application must request the entry of the exact nature of the disability on the elector's registration card.
3. (3) The commission shall make the entry as appropriate.
4. (4) If the disability is not entered on the registration card, the elector may receive assistance if the elector completes a declaration in the polling place.
5. (5) Following the election, the commission shall examine declarations completed under this section and shall update the elector's voter registration card to reflect the need for assistance and the nature of the disability.