Barriers Restrict Voting by People with Disabilities

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Barriers Restrict Voting by People with Disabilities

A press release from the National Organization on Disability on October

19, 2004 reports that 21% of U.S. adults with disabilities --

representing more than eight million potential voters -- say they have

been unable to vote in presidential or congressional elections due to

barriers faced either at, or in getting to, the polls. The findings

raise serious issues for the upcoming elections, which already are cause

for concern among voting rights advocates.

The results showed:

* 29 percent said they could not get accessible

transportation;

* 22 percent said their eligibility had been challenged;

* 21 percent reported the polling place was not accessible;

* 21 percent reported their mental or physical abilities

were questioned;

* 19 percent said they could not understand the voting

machine;

* 18 percent said they were made to feel embarrassed or

uncomfortable;

* 12 percent reported that needed alternative voting

formats (e.g. large print ballots, computer assisted

voting booths, paper ballots, etc.) were not available;

* 12 percent said needed assistance (e.g. a sign language

interpreter) was not available; and

* 8 percent said they were not allowed to have someone help

them with the voting machine.

The poll, conducted by Interactive, is part of a larger

disability survey project studying voter preferences, issues of

concern, and barriers to voting during this election season. This survey

project was made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Issues of voting rights are not confined to a single state or a single

voting bloc, said N.O.D. President Alan A. Reich. They are national

issues with national repercussions. We strongly encourage election

officials to respond to this serious problem and to direct all poll

workers to redouble efforts to ensure that those of us with disabilities

receive all necessary attention and assistance.

The National Organization on Disability, founded in 1982, promotes the

full and equal participation and contribution of Americas 54 million

men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. N.O.D.

is a nonpartisan organization. For more information visit:

www.nod.orghttp://www.nod.org/>

NVRC News, October 24, 2004