Accessible Voting in the Garden State: Don't forget about the Disabled Voters!
Hey guys!
Since it’s almost election time, I wanted to discuss accessible voting today in this election and tips on how you can also ensure that the election process works best for you and that your voice is getting heard. Now, I know that some of you are tired of hearing about this election, and you are probably wondering why everyone is talking about it — well, guys, our democracy must prevail. But I’m excited about this election, wouldn’t you be? This is the first time that Gen Z can vote in the General Election. We are getting our voices heard just like everyone else! This is our time, and everyone’s to write a new page in this place that we call home. Alright, enough chit-chat from me; let’s get on with the topic, shall we?
Voting with a disability!
Voting is a fundamental right, but for many people with disabilities, participating in elections is more complicated than it should be. New Jersey has taken many steps to create a more accessible voting process, but several barriers still need to be addressed to guarantee that every citizen, regardless of ability, can vote independently and privately. Doug Kruse, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University, Associate Director, Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, and Director of the Program for Disability Research, said in an interview with Northjersey.com, “People with disabilities are just as interested in voting as other citizens, as shown by their rising turnout despite the voting difficulties they often face…The high stakes in this election will motivate many people with disabilities to vote, and it’s important that they be able to do so easily.” This quote from Kruse shows that disabled people want to be part of the conversation and are voting despite the challenges. This post explores the current state of accessible voting in NJ, the challenges that remain, and the steps needed to make elections truly inclusive.
There are several ways to vote: vote by mail, in-person early voting, and voting on Election Day. Voters have the option to vote in any way they feel comfortable. According to the Rutgers Program for Disability Research in New Brunswick, “there are 945,200 people with disabilities eligible to vote in New Jersey, said the study, among a nationwide total of 40.2 million.” (Myers, 2024) Disabled people vote and participate in this democracy!
Vote in whichever way that works best for you!
New Jersey offers several accessibility measures aimed at supporting disabled voters:
Accessible Vote-by-Mail: Voters with disabilities can request ballots in large print, Braille, or electronic formats compatible with screen readers.
ADA-Compliant Polling Places: All polling locations are required to have accessible entrances, voting booths, and parking spaces.
Assistive Voting Machines: Each polling site must offer at least one machine with assistive technology, including audio prompts, Braille buttons, and sip-and-puff options.
Curbside Voting: Some counties allow voters to stay in their cars while poll workers bring ballots to them.
While these efforts mark progress, challenges remain. Not all polling locations consistently meet ADA requirements, which can vary widely across counties. Many poll workers are not adequately trained on accessibility features, leaving voters unaware of their rights or unable to receive the necessary assistance. Additionally, the assistive voting machines provided at some sites are outdated or complicated to use, undermining the independence these devices are intended to provide. Transportation to polling places also presents a significant barrier, particularly in rural areas with limited public transit options.
To address these issues, several improvements are essential:
Modernizing Voting Equipment: NJ must upgrade voting machines to offer more user-friendly, accessible technology. In Burlington County, the county purchased new voting machines for the primaries on June 4th, 2024". The County brought and acquired new machines, such as ballot marking devices and tabulators. The ballot marking devices have large digital screens that display every ballot. The text can be enlarged, and voters can switch to different languages. Even if the power goes out, voters with disabilities can cast their ballots. After voting, voters can review their ballot before casting a paper ballot. After casting a paper ballot, voters can review their selections and verify to cast a vote by “inserting it into a machine tabulator that scans and tabulates their selections.” Poll workers were being trained so they can help voters in the primaries. There still need to be more new machines!
Enhanced Poll Worker Training: Poll workers should receive mandatory training on disability awareness and how to operate assistive devices.
Accessible Ballot-Tracking Systems: Implementing online tools to allow voters to track their mail-in ballots would provide transparency and peace of mind.
Public Outreach Campaigns: Better communication about voting options and accommodations is needed to ensure that voters with disabilities know their rights.
Advocacy plays a critical role in driving these changes. Voters and allies can get involved by partnering with organizations like Disability Rights New Jersey or the ACLU to campaign for accessible elections. Volunteering as a poll monitor is another way to ensure polling locations meet accessibility standards. Engaging with legislators and urging them to support measures that modernize voting systems is crucial. Additionally, spreading awareness through social media and community events can inform others about their rights and inspire action.
Reflection on my voting experience as a young disabled voter:
On Saturday, I voted with my family at the Senior Community Center, and it was an empowering experience. The poll workers were helpful and friendly, ensuring that my father had the necessary forms to assist me. Once inside the booth, I found the digital voting screen easy to use. I cast my vote with my dad’s assistance, and the sense of accomplishment was incredible. My parents voted too and they were satisfied with how things went! Voting should feel this way for every disabled person—it is our right, and our voices deserve to be heard.
Afterward, my parents, brother, and I took a photo to celebrate. Moments like these remind me of the importance of accessible voting. Everyone should feel empowered and respected when they participate in elections, regardless of ability.
Tips for you:
Know your Rights: It’s critical to know your rights because they help you determine what you are entitled to. If someone gives you a problem about voting, you can tell them your rights. If you want to learn about your rights, you can visit Disability Rights New Jersey’s website:
https://disabilityrightsnj.org/
https://disabilityrightsnj.org/resource/voting/
Call or email the Disability Rights NJ’s Voter Hotline – 866-493-0023 or voterhotline@disabilityrightsnj.org: If you have any problems with voting or if the voting polling location is inaccessible, I would highly recommend that you call or email the hotline because that call or email can make it easier for you and others in the next election
Make a voting plan: Planning ahead is essential, especially for disabled voters, since unexpected challenges can arise on Election Day. Many people with disabilities need time and coordination to carry out daily activities, and voting is no different.
Research the Rev UP Campaign and the American Association with People with Disabilities. We can learn about our rights and advocate for better voting accessibility. We can help create more accessible and inclusive places where all our voices matter.
New Jersey has made progress, but more work is needed to ensure truly accessible elections. Voting should be an empowering and seamless experience for everyone, regardless of their abilities. We can create a system that ensures every voice is heard by pushing for improvements and holding election officials accountable. Democracy thrives when all of us can participate—and it’s up to us to make sure that no one is left out.
Early voting locations in NJ Links
Morris County: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Government/Voting-and-Elections/Early-Voting-Information/Early-Voting-Locations
Somerset County: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/affiliated-agencies/election-board/polling-place-locator
Mercer County: https://www.mercercounty.org/boards-commissions/board-of-elections/2020-primary-election-covid-19-polling-locations
Essex County: https://www.essexclerk.com/News/View/2140/2024-general-election---early-voting-locations
Monmouth County: https://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com/voter-information/polling-places/
Bergen County: https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/board-of-elections/early-voting-locations
To find your County, you can find it here at https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote-early-voting.shtml
Early voting will continue until November 3rd. Polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday until Saturday and close at 6 p.m. on Sunday!!
On a final note: Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way said in a press release on October 22nd, reminding disabled voters that they have many ways to vote, “Disabled voters in New Jersey should rest assured that they can privately and securely cast their ballot…We encourage every eligible New Jersey citizen to exercise their right to vote. It’s our goal to make sure all registered voters have the opportunity to play an active role in our great democracy.”
Sources
https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/21/voters-with-long-covid-disability-a-rising-force-rutgers-study-says/75720912007/
https://www.nj.gov/state/press-2024-1022a.shtml
https://smlr.rutgers.edu/faculty-staff/douglas-l-kruse
https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2204
Photo from Google
