Voting in elections remains a fundamental right, privilege, and responsibility for each U.S. citizen. In the past, polling places were not always easily accessible to those with mobility issues or other disabilities. Today, federal laws require that polling places be accessible. As member of the neuromuscular disease community, we must make sure our voices will be heard through casting our votes.

Historically voting rates for those with disability have been low in the U.S. The rate of those registered to vote are about 10% lower for those with disabilities, and those with disabilities are about 20% less likely to go to the polls to vote than individuals without disability.

The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, passed in 1984 in the U.S., makes accessibility a requirement for all polling places for federal elections. If a polling place that is accessible to those with disability cannot be made available, there must be an alternative method for casting a ballot on the day of election. Further, this law requires that voter registration be made accessible to those with disability, and voting aides be made available during elections if needed.

In 1993, the U.S. National Voter Registration Act (also called the “Motor Voter Act”) passed, making it easier for those with disability to register to vote. This act requires that any office for state-funded programs that primarily serve the disabled population must have registration forms and assistance with registration available. These offices must also send the completed voter registration forms in to be processed. In most states, people may also register to vote at the Secretary of State’s office when obtaining a driver’s license or legal identification.

In 2002, the Help America Vote Act was passed in the U.S. This act addressed improvements to polling systems and voting accessibility, and created mandatory minimum standards with funding to help states meet those standards. This Act also created the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The EAC provided major funding in 2011 for technology research related to the design of voting systems.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) also applies to voting. The ADA, in fact, published a guide to assist polling places with providing accessibility, including getting to, getting into, and using polling places. New regulations from the ADA , including regulations for polling places, were announced in March 2011: Organizations had until March 15, 2012 to comply. The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) monitors compliance with these acts. Citizens can report violations of accessibility requirements that cannot be resolved with local polling authorities to the USDOJ.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides information on political and advocacy issues that matter to the neuromuscular diseases community. Staying informed on the issues that matter to you will help you make your voting decisions. You can find the web address below this article to the MDA advocacy page.

The current election year, 2012, a major election year. The 57th presidential election will be held on November 6, 2012, along with Senatorial for 33 seats and Congressional elections for all 435 seats, as well as important state elections.

Among issues that those with disabilities should be aware of, the National Institute of Health, which funds much medical research, faces a proposed budget without increase in funding. To learn about the views of your representatives and senators towards health and research issues, visit the Your Congress Health website (see below): many have made their views available through this website.

Historically many people, including women, people of color, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities were denied the right to vote. Chances are if you are reading this article, you may be a member of one or more of these groups. Polling authorities can no longer deny this fundamental right based on those previously used exclusion criteria. Make sure that you have registered to vote and cast your vote in the next election. Make sure that your voice is heard on the issues that matter to you.

Resources:

American Association of people with Disabilities, (2012). Disability Vote Project. http://www.aapd.com/resources/power-grid-blog/disability-vote-project.html.
Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2008). MDA Quest ADA Roundup 2008. http://quest.mda.org/article/ada-roundup-2008 .
Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2011). MDA Advocacy. http://www.mda.org/advocacy/ .
Muscular Dystrophy Association, (2011). MDA Quest ADA Roundup 2011. http://quest.mda.org/article/ada-roundup-2011 .
U.S. Department of Justice (2004). ADA Checklist for Polling Places. http://www.ada.gov/votingscrn.pdf .
U.S. Department of Justice, (n.d.). The National Votor Registration Act of 1993 (NRVA). http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/nvra/nvra_faq.php .
U.S. Department of Justice, (2009). A Guide to Disability Rights Laws. http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor64292 .
West, N., (2012). Voting + Advocacy + Power! Quest, 19:3. http://quest.mda.org/article/voting-advocacy-power .
Wikipedia, (2012). United States elections, 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_elections,_2012 .
Your Congress Your Health, (2012). Website. http://www.yourcongressyourhealth.org/ .
Articles retrieved October 3, 2012.