Election 2020: Stimulating Participation Among U.S. Citizens with Disabilities
Spicing Things Up: Let's dive into the electoral landscape from a different angle - through the lens of the 38 million people with disabilities in the United States who are eligible to vote. Healthline Media recently invited Jack Rosen, a voter engagement specialist from the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), to shed light on what constitutes healthy voting for this substantial group of voters.
This fascinating conversation unpacked what healthy voting means for people with disabilities during these unusual times, focuses on the key issues at play, and discusses ways to ensure that these voters are actively engaged and fairly treated in the voting process.
The essence of healthy voting for people with disabilities
When asked about healthy voting, Jack Rosen highlighted two vital aspects:
- Community Involvement: Voting should be viewed as an opportunity for individuals to feel connected to their community, which is particularly crucial for people with disabilities during the current pandemic, when many have been isolated due to a variety of reasons, including personal vulnerabilities, group home restrictions, or limited family interactions.
- Policy Impact: A considerable number of issues on the ballot directly impact the health of people with disabilities. For example, matters like access to healthcare, the future of Social Security and Veterans Administration benefits, and countless other programs can significantly affect this group's wellbeing. So, not only does healthy voting mean feeling connected, but it also provides an opportunity to have a direct influence on healthcare and other relevant policies.
Pandemic's impact on accessible voting
The pandemic has significantly affected the realm of accessible voting, leading to both advantages and challenges:
Positive Changes: The pandemic has led to the removal of some barriers, such as the increased use of mail-in voting and electronic voting methods. Moreover, some states have eliminated requirements that were previously obstacles, like the need for a notary to authorize absentee ballot requests or requiring multiple witnesses.
Caveats: While these advancements are positive, they are not a universal solution to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. For instance, advocacy efforts are underway to ensure that mail-in ballots are accessible to those with print disabilities—such as those who are blind—and some areas have skill signature requirements that may present difficulties for people who have their signatures affected by certain disabilities, like Parkinson's.
The ongoing battle for accessible voting
Although progress has been made in the realm of accessible voting, it's essential to remember that the battle is far from over. Jack Rosen shared an enlightening perspective on the historical context of this struggle, hinting at the inauguration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the significant expansion brought about by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002.
However, with up to 60% of polling places that are still not fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there remains much work to be done. The goal is to ensure that every single polling place is fully accessible, embodying the same sense of privacy and independence that other voters enjoy.
The upcoming challenges
In addition to the concerns previously mentioned, Jack Rosen raised a couple more issues affecting people with disabilities:
- Poll worker shortage: The pandemic may have caused a shortage of poll workers, which could affect the voting experience for people with disabilities who require assistance.
- Closure of accessible polling stations: The closure of certain polling stations—such as nursing facilities or schools—that previously offered accessibility poses another concern. Ensuring these locations are replaced with accessible alternatives is crucial.
- Locked down congregate settings: The pandemic has led to some congregate facilities restricting residents' movements, which could impact their ability to vote or request mail-in ballots.
United in purpose
The pandemic has ignited a sense of urgency in the fight for equal rights and representation among people with disabilities, as they are disproportionately affected by the health crisis. It's time to lend our voices and advocate for policies that support the health, wellbeing, and equal voting rights of this substantial community.
Resources:
- VoteAmerica – A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing voter turnout, offering resources to check your registration status, register to vote, vote by mail, request an absentee ballot, and find your polling place.
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to ask or do your own research. Don't just sit back and watch the game unfold—join the fight for a more inclusive democracy.
- Disability and mobility, health-and-wellness, and mental-health are key concerns for people with disabilities in the electoral landscape, as they directly impact the voting process and influential policies that affect their well-being.
- Science plays a crucial role in ensuring accessible voting, particularly in adapting electronic and mail-in voting methods to cater to people with disabilities, like those who are blind or have impaired signatures.
- Policy-and-legislation and politics are pivotal in addressing the ongoing disparities faced by people with disabilities, with advocacy for legislation like the Voting Rights Act, HAVA, and the full compliance of polling places with the Americans with Disabilities Act being significant steps toward a more inclusive democracy.
