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Author: Elaine Morgan – Contact: morganguidance.com
Published: 2024/10/26
Publication Type: Findings
Topic: Americas (Publications Database)
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item
Synopsis: Research shows that disability accessibility in voting during the 2024 presidential election is more important than ever. The EAC survey showed a decrease in the number of disabled voters who chose to vote in person on Election Day in 2022, but an increase in those who voted early or opted for a postal ballot. This reflects the mobility issues some disabled people faced with in-person voting. The Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) was passed in 2002 to help those with disabilities vote. There is also the American Disabilities Act (ADA), which outlines the accessibility measurements that are protected by law.
Why it matters: This article highlights the critical issue of voting accessibility for people with disabilities in the United States, particularly in light of the upcoming 2024 election. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by disabled voters, backed by recent research and statistics from reputable sources such as Rutgers University and the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). It offers practical tips for disabled voters, outlines their legal rights, and provides information on support organizations, making it a useful resource for both disabled voters and those working to improve voting accessibility. By presenting this information, the article raises awareness about an important aspect of democratic participation and encourages action to ensure equal access to voting for all citizens – Disabled World.
Introduction
Research from the Rutgers report in 2023(1) has outlined that as many as one in seven voters with disabilities had difficulty voting in 2022 – an increase from one in nine in 2020. This, alongside the fact that the disabled population has increased from 13.9% in 2022 to 28.7% in 2024 according to research(2), (3), shows that accessibility in voting during this election season is more important than ever.
Main Item
Wanting to explore the dynamics between disabled voters and accessibility, autism parent coach Elaine Morgan of Morgan Guidance has pulled together key data from the Rutgers report and the EAC, and outlined top tips for those with disabilities who are heading to the polling station on November 5th, 2024.
| Disability | % that reported any difficulty with voting in 2022 (in-person) | % that reported any difficulty with voting in 2022 (mail ballot) |
| Vision impairment | 52.5% | 38.0% |
| Need help with daily activities | 29.7% | 9.2% |
| Cognitive impairment | 27.7% | 16.6% |
| Any disability | 19.9% | 6.1% |
| Hearing impairment | 19.0% | 8.5% |
| Mobility impairment | 17.7% | 7.8% |
| No need for help in daily activities | 14.0% | 3.9% |
Vision impairment (those who have trouble reading), those needing help with daily activities, and cognitive impairment (those who have difficulty concentrating, using judgment or making decisions) are those who have the most difficulty with voting, according to the 2022 report by the EAC. (1)
When it comes to voting by mail ballot, the difficulty levels dropped significantly. However, unsurprisingly, those with vision impairment still experienced the most difficulty-largely due to being unable to read the ballot paper. Those with cognitive impairments were second most likely to experience difficulty, with 16.6% citing so.
| Voting method | % of people with a disability in 2018 | % of people with a disability in 2022 |
| At polling place on election day | 52.9% | 43.5% |
| At polling place before election day | 16.4% | 17.6% |
| By mail before election day | 29.4% | 37.1% |
| By mail on election day | 1.3% | 1.8% |
The EAC survey showed a decrease in the number of disabled voters who chose to vote in person on Election Day in 2022, but an increase in those who voted early or opted for a postal ballot. This reflects the mobility issues some disabled people faced with in-person voting.
Tips on Voting Day With a Disability
Autism parent coach Elaine Morgan understands first-hand how voting day can be difficult among voters with disabilities, especially those with cognitive impairments and those suffering with ASD. Below, she has outlined tips for those voting with a disability:
Analyze Your Options
Before you get into actually voting, ensure you analyze your options to determine the right fit for you on election day. As outlined above, several different options are available to you, with some polling stations offering the option to vote before election day. This will allow you to enter the polling station away from the crowds and an over-stimulating environment. Alternatively, you can vote by post – if this is better suited to you and your specific needs.
Speak to Your Polling Station Before You Visit
If you opt for in-person voting, speak to your local polling station before you visit. Identifying your needs in advance will help you and the elections office, and they may be able to advise you on a more suitable approach to voting. When you get to the office, communicate your needs with the poll workers to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible.
Knowing Your Rights
The Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) was passed in 2002 to help those with disabilities vote. There is also the American Disabilities Act (ADA), which outlines the following accessibility measurements are protected by law:
- Service animal support
- Someone to help you vote (cannot be your employer or union representative)
- Handrails on all stairs at the voting location
- Accessible parking places
- Voting and election materials in large print
- Entrances and doorways at the voting location that are at least 32 inches wide
- Wheelchair-accessible voting locations, both inside and outside
- At least one accessible voting device at every location. These devices help voters who are blind, visually impaired or have other accessibility needs.
- Poll workers to help you use accessible voting devices
By speaking to your voting office beforehand, you will be able to ensure that the correct accessibility measures are in place before your visit.
Seek Free Advice and Support
There are multiple charities and organizations in the USA that help people with disabilities to vote.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
AAPD’s REV UP Campaign works to increase the political participation of people with disabilities by advocating for accessible voting systems and providing resources to voters with disabilities. The campaign also organizes National Disability Voter Registration Week (September 9th to 13th) to increase awareness and voter turnout.
The Arc
The Arc promotes the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including their right to vote. They offer information on accessible voting, provide resources to individuals with disabilities and their families, and advocate for inclusive voting policies at both state and national levels.
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
NDRN is a network of protection and advocacy agencies in all U.S. states and territories. They work to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in elections by making voting accessible and fighting against discrimination at the polls. NDRN also provides legal assistance and resources to voters with disabilities.
Morgan Guidance Services
Morgan Guidance Services, founded by Elaine Morgan, offers support for parent wellness and expert guidance to families navigating challenges related to developmental, behavioral, and learning issues. Specializing in supporting individuals with ADHD, Asperger’s, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodivergent conditions, the team provides personalized advice on educational, therapeutic, and life-skills options. With decades of professional and personal experience, Morgan Guidance brings confidence when parenting complicated needs and helps families to make informed decisions for their loved ones’ well-being.
Sources:
(1) https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/EAC_2023_Rutgers_Report_FINAL.pdf
(2) https://www.researchondisability.org/sites/default/files/media/2024-03/2024-annual-report-a11y-1.pdf
(3) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
(4) https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/EAC_2023_Rutgers_Report_Supplement_FINAL.pdf
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Elaine Morgan. (2024, October 26). Accessibility Challenges for Voters with Disabilities in the 2024 Election. Disabled World. Retrieved October 26, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/news/america/2024-election.php
Permalink: <a href=”https://www.disabled-world.com/news/america/2024-election.php”>Accessibility Challenges for Voters with Disabilities in the 2024 Election</a>: Research shows that disability accessibility in voting during the 2024 presidential election is more important than ever.
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