Physically challenged individuals have had a number of obstacles to overcome in order to exercise their right to vote. Voter access laws have resolved a number of these challenges, but not addressed the issue of vote theft and suppression from family members and caregivers.

As part of its education efforts, the Center for Vulnerable Voters provides information on steps you can take to ensure those providing in-home care do not present threatening or coercive situations for the disabled voter in their care.

CVV also educates home healthcare companies on training and best-practices to ensure their staff are mindful of the needs and rights of their patients.

“While election administration is governed by individual state law, there are certain fundamental principles of federal civil rights law, and requirements of accepting federal funds, that require accessibility for people with disabilities. Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), states are obligated to ensure certain voter protections with respect to voters with disabilities, either as a mandatory requirement or through their acceptance of the federal grants. Further, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local governments are required to make programs and practices accessible to persons with disabilities; as must public entities receiving federal financial assistance per the Rehabilitation Act.”
National Council on Disability

Case Studies

Illinois Residential Facility Voting

Linda is an Occupational Therapist by trade. In her profession, she frequently provides care services to residents of assisted living and residential facilities.

In November of 2022, Linda visited two different residential facilities in a small Illinois City along the Mississippi. Her objective was to learn more about actual election practices in residential facilities and later to assist facilities with knowledge and processes to properly adhere to state laws.

The following report offers a summary of her in-person interviews.

DOWNLOAD THE CASE STUDY

Someone Stole Mom’s Vote!

ACRU CEO Lori Roman recently wrote this article about the shocking story of incapacitated citizens’ votes being stolen. Read on for details on how the votes of our most vulnerable citizens are being hijacked without their knowledge or consent.

“I felt like I had been punched in the gut!” Mary was shocked to see that her mom had “voted” in the November 2020 election. As her guardian, Mary had not changed her mom’s voter registration when she moved her to a new county because, of course, nonverbal dementia patients are unable to vote. She also knew that her mom was unable to fill out a request for a mail-in ballot and had no idea of the name of the current president. She immediately called her sister and said, ‘Someone stole Mom’s vote!’”

Read the article here.