The 2024 United States Presidential Election is quickly approaching, making it more important than ever that voting is accessible to everyone. Unlike the 2020 election, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s election does not have the same public health restrictions.
Without these restrictions in place, there is now an opportunity to focus on enhancing accessibility measures and ensuring that all voters, regardless of ability, have the resources and support they need to take part fully in the democratic process.
Voting is a fundamental right for every citizen, which is why it’s so important that people with disabilities have equal access to the voting process. Providing equal access to voters is critical to supporting a fair and inclusive democracy.
While there are federal laws that protect the rights of disabled voters, the accessibility of voting options can vary significantly across different states and regions. Understanding these rights and the available resources is vital to creating an accessible voting experience for everyone.
Laws Supporting Accessible Voting
The legal framework for accessible voting in the United States is established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that people with disabilities have full and equal access to voting, including at polling places and through accessible voting methods.
HAVA, passed in 2002, explicitly requires every polling place conducting federal elections to provide at least one accessible voting system for people with disabilities. This accessible voting system must enable people to vote privately and independently, ensuring they have the same opportunities for participation as other voters.
Challenges with Absentee and Mail-In Voting
Absentee and mail-in voting, while convenient, can pose unique challenges for voters with disabilities. These ballots are typically provided in paper form, which requires voters to physically mark them.
This process can be difficult for some voters, often requiring assistance that compromises their privacy and independence. For people with low or no vision, filling out a ballot may require the help of another person, which isn’t always feasible or desirable.
In addition, people with mobility impairments or dexterity challenges may find handling paper ballots and envelopes difficult, adding extra barriers to participation. Mailing back the ballot can also present problems, especially for those who lack easy access to mail services or drop-off locations.
In some cases, voters may need help marking their ballots, which could compromise their privacy or independence. This is why some states are turning to accessible voting options, such as electronic ballot marking systems, allowing people to use assistive technologies like screen readers to complete their ballots independently.
Additionally, some states require a witness or notary signature on absentee ballots. While these measures aim to prevent fraud, they can create challenges for voters with disabilities who may have difficulty fulfilling these requirements without leaving their homes or involving third parties.
How States Are Improving Voting Accessibility
States across the U.S. are adopting measures to make voting more accessible to people with disabilities. These efforts include:
- Accessible Polling Places: States like New York have implemented accessible voting machines at polling places, allowing voters with disabilities to cast their ballots independently.
- Curbside Voting: In states such as Connecticut, curbside voting is available, enabling voters to stay in their vehicles while a poll worker brings a ballot to them.
- Assistance from Poll Workers: Many states, including Florida, allow voters with disabilities to request help from poll workers or to bring someone to assist them in marking their ballots.
- Accessible Absentee Voting: States like Oregon have implemented remote-accessible ballot marking systems, allowing voters to fill out their absentee ballots electronically using assistive technology.
- Online Voting: While fully online voting could greatly simplify the process for people with disabilities — allowing people with disabilities to vote independently from their own devices without physical barriers — it also raises significant concerns around security, voter fraud, and coercion. At present, there are no states that offer fully online voting due to these challenges. However, 13 states have extended electronic ballot return options to voters with certain disabilities. These options include returning absentee/mail ballots by fax, email, or through an online portal. Resources for Voters with Disabilities
Accessible voting is a legal obligation and a cornerstone of a truly inclusive society. If you or someone you know is unsure about the accessibility of voting options in your area, contact your state or local election office for information about accessible polling locations, absentee voting procedures, and other accommodations.
Many local governments and disability advocacy organizations can guide people in accessing voting accommodations. Additionally, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) offers resources to help voters with disabilities understand their rights and find accessible voting options.
Accessible voting ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can take part fully in the democratic process. By staying informed about your voting rights and the resources available, you can help ensure that the voting process is inclusive and barrier-free for all.
Additional Voting Accessibility Resources
- Voter accessibility laws (usa.gov)
- Find your state and local election offices (usa.gov)
- Voting with a disability (vote.gov)
- Voting 101- Election Information for New Voters (eac.gov)
- Best Practices: Accessible Voter Registration (eac.gov)
- Best Practices: Accessible In-Person Voting (eac.gov)
- Best Practices: Accessibility for Voting By Mail (eac.gov)
