Accessible Voting: An Empowering Right for All

https://www.tiktok.com/@debrahillsings

When I vote, I am fulfilling the mission of courageous Giants before me. My vote honors their accessibility vision.

Disclosure: I am a member of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA).

As an African-American female and a legally blind person, I learned about the Women’s Rights Movement and the Civil Rights Movement which led to the Voting Rights Act in 1965. I remember as a young girl, the images of people of all walks of life joining together and marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for our rights on all levels. When I vote, I am fulfilling the vision of courageous giants before me. My vote honors the accessibility vision of others before me.

Many names we know but there are many more people of all races we may never know who are giants are well. These unnamed giants of the movement are in support of the opportunity for everyone to have accessibility to the right to vote. I understand now having lost my sight, how critical it is to have accessible ways of voting, and here are three things to continue to be vigilant about to keep voting accessible for all.

I understand now having lost my sight, how critical it is to have accessible ways of voting, and here are three things to continue to be vigilant about to keep voting accessible for all.

Three Issues for Blind and Low-Vision Voters

Here are three issues for blind and low-vision voters can encounter during the voting process.

Inaccessible Voting Materials

Technological advances in voting have created a better atmosphere at the polls for people who are blind or have low vision. In many states, there are large-print ballots, text-to-speech ballots, and human guides to assist in assisting in casting your vote. This technology is also available online in many cases. For those who cannot or choose not to go to the polls and prefer to vote from home, online ballots can be accessed on the computer and other devices. However, not everyone has access to electronic technology such as computers, laptops, or cell phones. Public places such as libraries, government facilities, and community centers can provide voting support for the blind and low-vision community.

Easy Access to Support Services for Any Voting Issues

For a person who may be experiencing difficulties for whatever reason, a hotline or emergency services line should exist for immediate help with the voting process. On-call human support that people can connect with via phone or online to resolve issues as appropriate is crucial on voting days.

Lack of Awareness of Resources

As you are planning to vote and looking ahead, there should be more ways to learn about the accessible voting process. Some visually impaired persons may not be aware of the accessible resources available to assist them in the voting process. This lack of awareness can stop them from voting altogether. Public awareness campaigns, in television, radio, print, and social media can inform blind individuals about their voting rights, locally available accommodations, and the importance of voting.

As you are planning to vote and looking ahead there should be more ways to learn about the voting process.

I feel strongly about voting and am very grateful to be a part of an organization supporting accessible voting rights named the American Council of the Blind of Virginia or ACBVA. Historically, voting was denied to women, formally enslaved people, and was inaccessible to some people with disabilities. It is critically important to be informed about keeping voting rights accessible to all.

Voting while blind is not just about ensuring that everyone can participate in the democratic process; it is also about upholding the principle of equality in all things for all people.

Accessible Voting with The American Council of the Blind of Virginia

The American Council of the Blind of Virginia had an informative and lively discussion on accessible voting on October 9th, 2023. Rachel presented critical news and resources for blind and low vision voters. Voting is going on right now and it is not too late to get all of the information you need.

Listen to the program today.

The Next ACBVA Meeting is on Monday, October 9, 2023, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m (EST)

Rachel Loria, a Senior Advocate at the Disability Law Center of Virginia, will address questions and many more at the ACBVA virtual meeting.

Visit the ACBVA Website ahead of the meeting to find critical information about the election and voting on the home page and bring any questions you may have.

Membership in ACBVA is not required to attend this meeting.

October Meeting Details

For information on other meetings, and events, join the ACBVA email list.

JOIN HERE