Regina Connor, a 75-year-old legally blind resident of Smithfield, Rhode Island, recently shared her experience of casting a ballot in the state’s primary elections. Connor, who has been a registered voter for 54 years, had faced many challenges in voting due to her visual impairment. However, thanks to federal mandates and advancements in technology, she was finally able to mark her ballot independently using a ballot-marking voting machine.
The improvements in voting access for people with disabilities have been significant in Rhode Island and across the country. Recent studies have shown an increase in voter turnout among individuals with disabilities, with pandemic-era voting measures further enhancing accessibility. The state of Rhode Island has passed a series of voting reforms, including offering options for electronic submission of mail ballots and introducing better technology for marked ballot machines.
However, challenges still remain, particularly in ensuring that election administrators and poll workers are educated and trained on the mandates and logistics of accessible voting. Despite ongoing education efforts, there have been instances of accessibility issues at polling places, such as van-accessible parking and incorrect entryways.
Advocates like Kate Bowden of Disability Rights Rhode Island stress the importance of educating voters about their rights and advocating for their accessibility needs. Miranda Oakley, a blind resident of South Kingstown, emphasized the importance of independent voting for all individuals and the need for politicians to listen to the voices of the disability community.
While there have been significant improvements in election security and accessibility, there is still work to be done to ensure that all voters, including those with disabilities, can participate in the democratic process. Regina Connor and others continue to navigate obstacles like transportation limitations to exercise their right to vote and feel a part of the electoral process.
Source
Photo credit rhodeislandcurrent.com
