For the People’s Act: Disability Advocates Warn About Disenfranchising Voters with Disabilities

A number of disability organizations have expressed concern over the paper ballot mandate that is part of the For the People Act (H.R. 1/S. 1). More than two dozen organizations signed a statement included in a press release detailing those concerns and issued by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). Although the Act covers provisions to enhance access for voters with disabilities, the paper ballot will “inevitably harm voters with print disabilities…” Among the issues: that it will end innovations to “produce a fully accessible voting system that provides enhanced security;” limit voters’ right to privacy and the ability to “independently…cast their ballots;” and that it will “ultimately segregate voters with disabilities.” For more information about the For the People Act, the concerns related to the paper mandate, and the changes sought by the organizations to ensure accessibility in the proposed legislation, read the full press release.