Groups Promote Accessible Voting for Disabled Voters

Disability advocates and election officials are highlighting the need for accessible voting and educating voters about available support. A Wisconsin webinar organized by the Disability Vote Coalition explained how elections are run and the roles of election officials, while a New York voter education event helped people with disabilities practice registering and voting. Advocates warn that barriers can include inaccessible polling locations or booths and difficulty marking a ballot; accessible ballot-marking devices can offer features such as audio, Braille controls and sip-and-puff operation. Wisconsin voters may use accessible voting systems, request assistance from someone of their choice subject to legal restrictions, and access curbside voting if they cannot enter a polling place. In Missouri, disability advocates are also working to make voters aware of curbside voting and to challenge assumptions about the political participation of people with disabilities.