Accessible Democracy: Reducing Voting Obstacles for People with Disabilities

Abstract Citizens with disabilities are less likely to vote than their non-disabled peers, and are more likely to experience difficulties when they do vote. This article reviews the evidence on voter turnout and voting difficulties among people with disabilities, finding that nearly one-third of voters with disabilities who voted in a polling place in 2012 experienced difficulties in doing so. We summarize best practices for removing voting obstacles, including measures to increase polling place accessibility, train election officials in disability issues, educate people with disabilities about the voting process, and increase the availability of no-excuse mail ballots. Given the size and expected growth of the disability population, such measures are needed to make the voting process more fully accessible and ensure that all American citizens can exercise the right to vote.