Efforts to Improve Voting Accessibility for Disabled Voters

Advocates across the U.S. are calling for improved accessibility measures to ensure that voters with disabilities can participate in the upcoming elections. In Kansas City, the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition requested enhanced services from the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to address long wait times and scheduling issues with paratransit services on Election Day. Meanwhile, in Delaware, volunteers are set to monitor polling places for compliance with accessibility laws, highlighting that many barriers still exist, affecting voter turnout. In South Dakota, concerns have arisen over ballot marking devices and their usability for voters with disabilities, as reports show one in seven faced difficulties in the 2022 election. Disability advocates also stress the need for political candidates to engage with this community, as many feel sidelined despite making up a significant portion of the population. El Paso County has implemented provisions like curbside voting and portable voting machines to accommodate voters with disabilities, aiming to create a more inclusive voting experience.