Voting Made Accessible

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/ October 23, 2018

Line of people's legs, and one person in a wheelchair, waiting to vote.

One in five people eligible to vote have a disability. With Election Day 2018 just around the corner, Ability Tools is sharing resources on voting accessibility, apps, and guides.

If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities  there would be about 2.2 million more voters in the 2016 elections.

Photo of man in a suit and tie wearing a cowboy hat with a US Flag pin on the front, speaking into the microphone. Text: Justin Dart * Patriot * Father of the ADA * Proud Texan. "VOTE as if your life DEPENDS on it-- Because it DOES!"

According to the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), 16 million people with disabilities voted in the November 2016 elections. The voter registration rate of people with disabilities was 2 percentage points lower than that of people without disabilities.

What hindered voters with disabilities?

The lower voter turnout was due both to a lower registration rate among people with disabilities, and to lower turnout among those who are registered.

The disability community is making conscious efforts to tackle the issues of low turnout. The Disability Organizing (DO) Network, a program of the California Foundation for Independent Living, is working throughout the state to make sure that Californians with disabilities are informed and educated as part of the voting public.

Another reason for low turnout among the disability community is not having accessible options and resources. Efforts are also being made to address these issues.

Screenshot of a smartphone using the Brink app. The screen displays text on the California Election Timeline. Text: Voting Made Easy. All of the important dates and logistics you need to vote.

Screenshot of the BRINK App

Apps like Brink are making the voting process easier and literally– in the palm of your hand.

Brink was built to be accessible, for everyone. The Brink App is a free, non partisan election guide app with everything you need to vote, all in one place:

  • Election timelines
  • Registration reminders
  • Information about candidates and ballot measures, voting rights (including disability-specific access rights)
  • What to say if you see discriminatory behaviors on Election Day
  • And more!

Download the app here:
Available via iTunes and available via Google Play

For more resources for California voters with disabilities, such as:

  • New voting machines
  • Easy Voter Guides
  • Who to call if a polling place is not accessible

Please visit the DOnetwork’s voting resource page or the AAPD California resources page.

Red, White, and Blue Text: Register! Educate! Vote! Use Your Power! Rev UP! for independent living. Make the disability vote count.

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