New federal guidance is provided to help voters with disabilities

August 2024
By American Association of People with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new guidance ahead of the 2024 elections clarifying voting rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws. The guidance emphasizes that voters with disabilities—including those under guardianship—must have full access to all aspects of the voting process, from registration to casting ballots, and cannot be held to higher standards than other voters.

Key points include ensuring accessible polling places and election websites, providing curbside voting, offering communication assistance (e.g., pen and paper, ASL interpreters), and protecting voters' rights to receive assistance from a person of their choice. The guidance also addresses absentee ballots, ballot drop boxes, and voters in congregate settings like nursing homes.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) praised the guidance, noting that it counters state and local practices that have excluded disabled voters, including laws banning curbside voting or criminalizing voter assistance. The guidance is seen as critical, given that many polling places remain partially inaccessible, and aims to reduce the persistent turnout gap and voting difficulties experienced by voters with disabilities.

AAPD highlighted the importance of ongoing advocacy, including accessibility audits, poll worker training, legal challenges, and legislative efforts, to ensure a truly accessible democracy for all voters.

New federal guidance is provided to help voters with disabilities | Access Press