Accessible Voting

Voting in elections remains a fundamental right, privilege, and responsibility for each U.S. citizen. In the past, polling places were not always easily accessible to those with mobility issues or other disabilities. Historically voting rates for those with disability have been low. In the 2008 elections, 57.3% of eligible people with disabilities voted in the U.S., in comparison to 64.5% of those without disabilities.

Today, federal laws require that polling places be accessible. As member of the neuromuscular disease community, we must make sure our voices will be heard through casting our votes.

The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, passed in 1984, makes accessibility a requirement for all polling places for federal elections. If a polling place that is accessible to those with disability cannot be made available, there must be an alternative method for casting a ballot on the day of election. Further, this law requires that voter registration be made accessible to those with disability, and voting aides be made available during elections if needed.

In 1993, the National Voter Registration Act (also called the “Motor Voter Act”) passed, making it easier for those with disability to register to vote. This act requires that any office for state-funded programs that primarily serve the disabled population must have registration forms and assistance with registration available. These offices must also send the completed voter registration forms in to be processed. In most states, people may also register to vote at the Secretary of State’s office when obtaining a driver’s license or legal identification.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) also applies to voting. The ADA, in fact, published a guide to assist polling places with providing accessibility, including getting to, getting into, and using polling places. New regulations from the ADA , including regulations for polling places, were announced in March 2011: Organizations have until March 15, 2012 to comply. The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) monitors compliance with these acts. Citizens can report violations of accessibility requirements that cannot be resolved with local polling authorities to the USDOJ.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides information on political and advocacy issues that matter to the neuromuscular diseases community. Staying informed on the issues that matter to you will help you make your voting decisions. You can find the web address below this article to the MDA advocacy page in Resources.

While 2011 is an off-year election, several U.S. Congressional seats are up for special election. Four states will have gubernatorial races. Three states have upcoming judicial elections, and four states will have state legislative elections. In many areas, there will be local/municipal elections, voter initiatives and mayoral races.

Historically many people, including women, people of color, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities were denied the right to vote. Chances are if you are reading this article, you may be a member of one or more of these groups. Polling authorities can no longer deny this fundamental right based on those previously used exclusion criteria. Make sure that you have registered to vote and cast your vote in the next election. Make sure that your voice is heard on the issues that matter to you.

Resources:

American Association of people with Disabilities, (n.d.). Disability Voter Turnout. http://www.aapd.com/site/c.pvI1IkNWJqE/b.6453451/k.770B/Disability_Voter_Turnout_Information.htm#2010 . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2008). MDA Quest ADA Roundup 2008. http://quest.mda.org/article/ada-roundup-2008 . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2009). MDA Quest ADA Roundup 2009. http://quest.mda.org/article/ada-roundup . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2011). MDA Advocacy. http://www.mda.org/advocacy/ . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2011). MDA Quest ADA Roundup 2011. http://quest.mda.org/article/ada-roundup-2011 . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

U.S. Department of Justice (2004). ADA Checklist for Polling Places. http://www.ada.gov/votingscrn.pdf . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

U.S. Department of Justice, (n.d.). The National Votor Registration Act of 1993 (NRVA). http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/nvra/nvra_faq.php. Retrieved September 24, 2011.

U.S. Department of Justice, (2005). A Guide to Disability Rights Laws. http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor64292 . Retrieved September 24, 2011.

Wikipedia, (2011). United States elections, 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_elections,_2011 . Retrieved September 24, 2011.