Historic Turnout of Voters with Disabilities Expected

Despite ongoing problems with inaccessible polling places, difficult-to-use voting machines and untrained poll workers, voters with disabilities will head to the polls in historic numbers November 2.

It is clear that the outcome of the 2004 Presidential election will have a major impact on the rights and services for millions of Americans with disabilities and their families. As a result, the National Council on Independent Living is collaborating with an unprecedented Get-Out-The-Vote effort to ensure that voters with disabilities can overcome the many persistent barriers to the ballot.

No eligible voter should be turned away from the polls this November. So it is urgent that voters with disabilities prepare and know who to call for help.

The Presidential candidates have offered clear choices on issues from Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Special Education, to the appointment of Supreme Court Justices who may decide the future of landmark civil rights legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. These issues, along with the closeness of the election, are expected to drive an exceptional turn-out of voters with disabilities and their families. People with disabilities represent about 20% of the entire voting-age population.

A recent nationwide poll conducted by the National Organization on Disability and Harris Interactive found that 21% of voters with disabilities were unable to vote in past presidential or congressional elections because of barriers faced either at, or in getting to, the polls. Additionally, 22% of survey respondents stated that poll workers challenged their eligibility to vote. (Visit the National Organization on Disability Web site at www.nod.org for complete poll results).

Implementation of the federal Help America Vote Act is leading to significant improvements in accessibility in some states. Though more progress is needed, voters with disabilities will not be discouraged from voting because of past difficulties.

The National Council on Independent Living is urging voters with disabilities to vote early by absentee ballot or in-person if possible. Voters should also call their local county election board to find out if their polling place is accessible.

Anyone who has a problem at a polling place should call the Election Protection hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE, {866-687-8683}, a national hotline staffed with attorneys and voting rights advocates. Hearing impaired callers need to use relay systems.

TIPS FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES

Find out where your voting place is and if it is accessible. If you cannot get into your voting place, you will need to make plans to vote at another location or by absentee ballot. Don’t delay. Make the necessary arrangements NOW!

Vote EARLY if you need to or would like to. A number of states allow absentee voting by anyone who requests an absentee ballot (you don’t have to be away or unable to go to the polls) and/or allow early voting. Find out what will make it easiest for you to cast your vote, and do it!! For more information on deadlines, regulations, and where to call with questions, please visit: www.nass.org/electioninfo/laws&admin.htm.

Go to the polls early on Election Day ... and Remember Your ID. Whatever type of voting machines are being used, there's no excuse for not getting out and casting your ballot. If you cannot get into your voting place, say that you want a ballot brought to you. It’s your right under the law. Be prepared, and be first in line when the polls open!!

If you have any problems at the polling place, call the Election Protection hotline at (866) OUR-VOTE, {866-687-8683}. Election Protection is a nationwide program run by civil rights and voting rights groups to safeguard your right to cast a ballot on Election Day. There are experts and attorneys standing by nationwide, from now until after the Election, to assist you.

In past elections, people with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities have been illegally denied their right to vote.

Actions:

• Most states have an election protection coalition. Meet with and prepare your local election protection coalition for challenges to people with disabilities. You can find your local election protection coalition by contacting one of the following, local League of Women Voters, NAACP, or American Civil Liberties Union.

• As part of your nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) effort, inform people of the national Election Protection hotline where lawyers and law students are available. Report all problems to 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). The hotline is operating now and hearing impaired users need to use relay.

If you have any other questions about this alert or your voting rights, please call the NCIL office at 877-525-3400 and ask for Gwen Gillenwater, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy (gwen@ncil.org) or Daniel Davis, Policy Analyst (Daniel@ncil.org).