Ensuring equal access to the democratic process is foundational to any society. However, many individuals with disabilities face barriers to full participation in elections. With elections in the US fast approaching, accessible voting locations and ballot sites are vital for protecting citizens’ rights and guaranteeing that everyone has a fair opportunity to make their voices heard.
Accessible voting locations, systems
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments and their election officials to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote in all elections. This includes federal, state and local elections and touches on all parts of the voting process ─ voter registration, polling places, election websites and the actual casting of the ballot, whether on election day or during early or absentee voting.
The ADA requires that election departments provide accessible voting systems and that election officials are trained in their operation. It notes that voting locations should be accessible to those with physical, visual, auditory and cognitive disabilities, including providing clear paths to entrances and exits, ramps or elevators when needed and tools for those with limited vision or mobility.
It also requires election officials to provide auxiliary communication aids and services at the polls. Examples of auxiliary aids and services for voters who are blind or have low vision may include information in large print or Braille, accessible electronic information and audio recordings of printed information. Examples of aids and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can include sign language interpreters, video remote interpreting, captioning and written notes.
Protecting voters’ rights
In addition to the requirements outlined by the ADA, there are a handful of federal laws in the US designed to protect and support the rights of voters with disabilities.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) contains provisions relevant to the voting rights of people with disabilities. The VRA requires election officials to allow a voter who is blind or has another disability to receive assistance from a person of the voter’s choice. It also prohibits conditioning the right to vote on a citizen being able to read or write, achieve a particular level of education or pass any sort of interpretation test.
- The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA) requires accessible polling places in federal elections for older individuals and people with disabilities. Where no accessible location is available to serve as a polling place, voters should be offered an alternate means of voting on election day.
- The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) aims to, among other things, increase the historically low registration rates of individuals with disabilities. The NVRA requires all offices that provide public assistance or state-funded programs that primarily serve those with disabilities to also provide the opportunity to register to vote in federal elections.
- The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires jurisdictions responsible for conducting federal elections to provide at least one accessible voting system for individuals with disabilities at each polling place in federal elections. The accessible voting system must provide the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, that other voters receive.
Digital accessibility in voting
In recent years, more jurisdictions have moved to provide online voting resources and absentee ballot options. These are positive developments but must be accessible for everyone to benefit fully. Accessible election ballot websites are essential to ensure voters can easily register to vote, check their polling location or request an absentee ballot. Websites must comply with digital accessibility standards, including proper use of alt text in images, captioned videos, screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation.
For those not able to vote in person, absentee and mail-in ballots are popular alternatives. Accessible ballot sites must ensure that these forms are not only available but easily navigable. This includes providing large-print, Braille or electronic ballot options that allow individuals with visual disabilities to vote independently from home.
Progress made, but more is needed
Though steps have been taken to make the voting process more accessible for all, voting challenges still exist for many with disabilities. A recent report – Voting Experiences Since HAVA: Perspectives of People with Disabilities – examined how the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) has impacted the voting experiences of voters with disabilities since its passage in 2002. Its key findings included:
- The turnout of voters with disabilities has increased since the adoption of the HAVA. In 2000, the turnout of people with disabilities was 16.8% lower than that of people without disabilities. This gap in voter turnout shrank to 11.3% in 2020.
- The accessibility of polling places has improved significantly over the past two decades. Parking spaces for people with disabilities and the inclusion of ramps have made polling places more accessible for those having difficulty walking long distances or navigating steps. There is also greater access to accessible voting systems in polling places, mail-in voting and accessible ballot delivery and return. Survey participants with vision disabilities said the availability of accessible voting machines also has improved over the past 20 years.
- About half of the decrease in voting difficulties since 2012 reflects a changed composition of in-person voters. People with more significant disabilities became more likely to vote by mail in 2020 and 2022. The report notes that the other half of the improvement appears to be due to improvements in polling place accessibility since 2012.
- However, voting difficulties still exist for people with disabilities. Confusion and anxiety were two commonly reported problems with participants describing confusion in understanding information about ballot questions as well as knowing where to go and how to proceed once at the polling place. Others experienced anxiety because of crowded polling places leading them to feel overwhelmed.
- The ability to vote by mail helped participants, but some expressed mistrust about voting by mail. This was primarily centered on participants’ beliefs in the post office’s ability to deliver their ballot though some noted voter fraud as the reason they mistrust the mail-in voting process.
Challenges and the path forward
Making voting sites accessible comes with challenges, especially regarding older voting locations that may lack modern accessibility features. Budget constraints and regulatory gaps can also create obstacles for updating digital ballot sites and voting equipment. However, there are ways to address these issues, such as applying for federal funding through grants like those offered by the Help America Vote Act and forming partnerships with disability advocacy groups to test and improve voting solutions.
One of the most effective approaches is to include individuals with disabilities in the planning, design and implementation of accessible voting initiatives. Collaborating with and gaining feedback from members of the disability community can give election officials firsthand insight into the unique challenges of navigating a voting space or website and help guide practical and impactful improvements.
Everyone benefits
An accessible voting environment benefits more than just those with disabilities. By ensuring access for all, communities enhance overall voter turnout, strengthen democratic participation, and build trust in the electoral process. The perception of accessibility and inclusion also boosts public confidence, as voters see tangible efforts to accommodate a diverse population.
As technology continues to develop, more innovations in accessibility can streamline the voting experience for everyone. Universal design principles, such as clear instructions, straightforward ballot layouts, and mobile compatibility, offer better usability across the board.
Verbit offers a wide range of products and services – captioning and multi-language subtitles, transcription and audio description, among others – designed to increase accessibility for all. Contact one of our experts today to learn more about how we can partner with you.