Kenia Flores, a blind voter and graduate of Furman University, faced challenges in accessing an absentee ballot in North Carolina due to lack of accessibility. As a Voting Access and Election Protection Fellow at Detroit Disability Power, Flores is part of the effort to address barriers faced by disabled voters leading up to the general election. With one in four adults having a disability, disabled organizers are working to improve voting access in the face of restrictive laws and inaccessible polling locations.
Despite the expansion of mail-in voting, many disabled voters still encounter difficulties. Organizations like New Disabled South are advocating for the disability community, emphasizing the importance of their inclusion in the political process. Legal battles and new federal legislation, such as the Accessible Voting Act, aim to enhance voting rights for disabled Americans.
DDP’s efforts in auditing polling locations reveal the challenges faced by disabled voters, with a focus on making sites more accessible. Collaborative initiatives in the U.S. South aim to make voter registration and education more inclusive of disabled individuals, ensuring their voices are heard on critical issues during elections.
Ultimately, the work to improve voting access for disabled voters not only benefits the disability community but also contributes to a more inclusive and accessible democracy for all.
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