A nationwide study has concluded that more people with disabilities voted in 2018 than in either of the last two mid-term elections (2014 and 2010).
The study, which was conducted by Rutgers, School of Management and Labor Relations, reported that 49.3% of Americans with disabilities successfully voted in 2018, compared to 54% of people without disabilities. Employed people with disabilities were just as likely as employed people without disabilities to vote, suggesting that employment helps bring people with disabilities into mainstream political life.
People with disabilities who did not vote in 2018 cited reasons that included a lack of transportation, schedule conflicts, and the disability itself. These barriers can be overcome with careful planning. Transportation should never stop you from getting to the polls and/or getting your early/absentee ballot and mailing it from home. So, contact your town clerk and register today, and don't forget to save the date! The 2020 Elections will take place on November 3, 2020.
45.1% of Vermonters with disabilities voted in 2018, shrinking the voting gap with non-disabled voters from 13% to 11.2%.
Rutgers estimates that if there could be as many voters with disabilities as there are voters without disabilities, there would be an extra 2.35 million Americans casting ballots in the upcoming 2020 election.
For more information read the article by Time.
Side notes:
- The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council created a Public Service Announcement last fall to remind people with disabilities to vote. Give it a listen on Youtube.