By Isabella Bullock
Voting is a fundamental right that every citizen should be able to exercise without any barriers. However, for people with disabilities, this right can often be hindered due to various obstacles.
One of the biggest challenges faced by people with disabilities is physical accessibility to polling places. Many polling stations are located in buildings that are not wheelchair accessible or have other barriers that prevent people with disabilities from entering. This can be especially problematic for people with mobility impairments or those who use assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers. To address this issue, election officials must ensure that all polling stations are fully accessible and that reasonable accommodations are made for people with disabilities.
Another challenge that peoples with disabilities face is the lack of accessible voting machines. While many polling places have machines that are designed for people with visual impairments, there are still many machines that do not have audio or tactile features. This can make it difficult for people with visual or hearing impairments to cast their ballots independently. It is important that election officials invest in accessible voting machines to ensure that everyone can cast their vote without assistance.
In addition to physical and technological barriers, many people with disabilities face discrimination and stigma when it comes to voting. For example, some people may assume that people with intellectual disabilities are not capable of making informed decisions about who to vote for. According to Disability Justice, several states have laws that deem Someone “mentally incompetent” to vote. It is important that we challenge these stereotypes and recognize that people with disabilities have the same right to vote as anyone else. We must also ensure that election officials are trained to provide support and accommodations to people with disabilities who need it.
In conclusion, it is crucial that we take steps to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to the ballot box. This includes making polling places fully accessible, investing in accessible voting machines, and challenging discriminatory attitudes and assumptions. By working together, we can ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard.
Reference: https://disabilityjustice.org/right-to-vote/