Voting is a right in the United States for adult citizens. But it doesn’t seem that way. Politicians are complaining about allowing more access to voters by providing polling options next to college campuses. Donald Trump is encouraging his supporters to go to polling places “make sure it’s on the up and up” because “large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day.” Who do you think these supporters will be watching? People who look like them? I highly doubt it. They’ll be watching people who don’t look like them, including people with disabilities.
People with disabilities endure access denial when people do not consider their needs. Voting is no different. Physical building access poses challenges for people with disabilities, even if the building meets the requirements of the law. Ramps could be too steep, pavement cracked, and doors locked or at challenging angles and widths. Do the people implementing the accessibility devices actually test them beforehand? Somehow I doubt it.
Societal stigma perpetuates the idea that people with disabilities are less than their peer without disabilities. Voting brings in another dynamic. These are major decisions being made. Poll workers take it upon themselves to question people with disabilities about their competence and ability to vote. This proves the societal understanding of disability is still desperately outdated.
One in six voters in the U.S. have a disability. Regularly are people with disabilities prevented from voting due to various factors. Would you like your rights questioned or even blocked? Help protect the rights of all voters.
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Disabled And Fighting For The Right To Vote
Voters With Disabilities Fight For More Accessible Polling Places
Disabled and disenfranchised: Families fight to restore voting rights