How Maine is making it easier for voters with disabilities to participate in elections

There can be many barriers to voting for people with disabilities, from transportation to filling out a paper ballot, but the Maine Department of the Secretary of State wants to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in elections.

“Our elections are best when everyone has a chance to make their voice heard at the ballot box,” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said in a news release.

Following the 2023 election, Disability Rights Maine visited 160 polling places across all 16 counties and found that 79 — just about half — of them weren’t in compliance with accessibility laws. The group published a report with their findings that outlined the most common violations such as poor signage for accessible entrances and parking spaces, explained Molly Thompson, a voting access advocate.

“Luckily, the vast majority of barriers can be fixed with simple solutions,” Thompson said.




https://mainemorningstar.com/2024/09/15/how-maine-is-making-it-easier-for-voters-with-disabilities-to-participate-in-elections/