Voting brings up a lot of questions. Are employers obligated to provide employees with time off for voting? What's the absentee ballot deadlines in your state? What accommodations are available? Find out the specifics and create a strategy:
Tip #1 - Vote for the care and support you need.
A study of the 2022 midterm elections by Rutgers University and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission found that if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as their non-disabled peers, there’d be 2.0 million more voters. No matter who you are voting for, it is imperative that you know that your vote counts. Don't sit this one out—or let anyone tell you your vote doesn't count. It does. Find best practices and events here: Vote the Spectrum. It’s time to include everyone in the voting process.
Tip #2 - Know your the deadlines—and the law on taking time off to vote.
Register to vote on this government website. Find upcoming state deadlines for voter registration at When We All Vote, and take part in their educational events on voter registration. Or use the Rock The Vote website for resources including requesting an absentee ballot.
"Leave no uncertainty–provide employees with the time and space to vote in local and national elections, volunteer, and get engaged with their communities," explains a guide from Catchafire. Get the legal details from experts.
Tip #3 - Find accommodations to cast your ballot .
The responsibility for creating disability accommodations for voters who are registering or casting a ballot falls to state and local election officials. Certain basic accommodations are protected by law under the ADA. According to Vote.gov:
"Reach out to your local election office if you’re having trouble with your state's election website or if your voting location isn’t set up to be accessible to you.
Find a protection and advocacy agency in your state through the National Disability Rights Network. And use this list of more resources for voters with disabilities."
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