Happy National Disability Voter Registration Week!
Voting in free and fair elections is a fundamental human right, and this is something we sometimes take for granted. We think of Election Day as a bustling Tuesday, but this can come with added strain for Americans with disabilities. Among other communities, the disability community has experienced unequal job opportunities, over institutionalization, and violence.
It is vital that we work towards fair and civic inclusion of people with disabilities in every political, social, and economic front. Did you know that if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 2.2 million more voters? This is a significant group of Americans who deserve to have a fair chance to cast their vote! When the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) observed accessibility of 178 polling places throughout the nation in the 2016 general election, 60% (107) had one or more potential impediments to disables voters. Most common impediments included inaccessible parking, steep ramps, and lack of signage.
GAO was able to fully examine voting stations inside the voting area at 137 polling locations. The GOA report concluded that, Of these 137 polling places, 65% (89) had a voting station with an accessible voting system that could impede the casting of a private and independent vote. This occurs when polling locations lack the necessary space for anyone to cast their vote independently.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) founded REV UP. REV UP encourages disabled voters to Register, Educate, Vote, Use their Power. So on this National Disability Voter Registration Week, check out these resources for voting equality!
Here are some helpful tips for Election Day:
- As a voter with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodation or assistance to vote
- Voting centers MUST meet all of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for polling locations
- Voters’ Pamphlets are provided online by the Washington State Secretary of State and free for public use in multiple languages
- Check out REV UP resources provided by the AAPD
Consider the needs of those you know who are disabled and offer your support! Disabled Americans advocate for themselves every day in the workplace, in public spaces, through health care, and more. Be an ally this National Disability Voter Registration Week and support equal and fair electoral process each American is entitled to.
Reference:
"Statistics & Data." AAPD. Accessed July 15, 2019. https://www.aapd.com/advocacy/voting/statistics/.
"GAO-18-4, VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES: Observations on Polling Place Accessibility and Related Federal Guidance [Reissued on December 4, 2017]." December 04, 2017. Accessed July 07, 12. https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/687556.pdf., pg. 14
"GAO-18-4, VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES: Observations on Polling Place Accessibility and Related Federal Guidance [Reissued on December 4, 2017]." December 04, 2017. Accessed July 07, 12. https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/687556.pdf., pg. 15
"Voters with Disabilities." Elections & Voting - WA Secretary of State. Accessed July 15, 2019. https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/voters-with-disabilities.aspx.