The Right Support Can Help People with Disabilities Vote

The right to vote matters, but so does having the support to actually do it. 

Most voters don’t think twice about the process of casting their ballot on Election Day, but for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other diverse needs, it can feel overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to be if you navigate the process using three Ps—Protections, Preparation and Planning. 

• Protections: It is important that voters, and those assisting them, know their rights. Americans with disabilities are entitled to the full and equal opportunity to vote and have choices in how they cast their ballot—in-person, by absentee or mail-in ballot, with accessible equipment and necessary modifications, with personal assistance, or privately and independently.
• Preparation: Check registration dates and deadlines, research “Easy Read” Guides from organizations like the American Association of People with Disabilities, and request accommodations ahead of time. Also, determine the voting method that meets their needs.
  
• Planning: Check if an identification card is required to vote. If it is, confirm the person voting has one and that it is current. If not, make plans to get one. 

The Right Support

Barriers to voting for people with disabilities have existed for a long time. Federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Voting Rights Act, helped address some of the barriers by reinforcing voter rights and setting accessibility requirements for polling places, while organizations, like the U.S. Vote Foundation and American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), continue to advocate and provide educational resources to assist interested voters.

However, one fundamental piece of the puzzle—the support to vote—doesn’t require new laws or regulations.

Adam Hoyt, a Mosaic at Home® Provider for Mosaic in Central Iowa, believes everyone who’s capable should have the opportunity to participate in the election process. But some people often lack the support they need, he said. 

“The individuals we serve need to have someone supporting them who’s going to be able to help make it happen, because on their own, it’s not going to happen,” Adam said. “They have to have the right support to get the wheels in motion.”

In recent years, Adam has been part of the support system for Nathan Williamson, first as a Direct Support Professional and now as his Home Provider. 

Nathan has always had an interest in politics, which has grown thanks to encouragement from those around him.

“His aunt (and guardian) and other family members have played a big role in helping him learn about the candidates,” Adam said.

Adam and other Mosaic staff have also played an important role. With their help, Nathan attended meet-the-candidate events, watched debates and read about the people running for office before voting in the 2024 General Election. 

Nathan appreciates the support he’s received and the opportunity to vote for candidates who share his same values. 

“I think it’s awesome and a good thing to do,” he said.

Ensuring voting is accessible for all

While Adam believes the lack of support and transportation to get to the polls or to attend election-related events are the biggest barriers, they are not the only ones. 

The AADP and other organizations are working to ensure that barriers are addressed and broken down. Through its Register! Education! Vote! Use your Power!, or REV UP, voting campaign, the organization works with local and national organizations and individuals to ensure Americans with disabilities have the access, information and support they need.  

While he can’t speak for other states, Adam said Iowa polling places he’s been to have been accessible, and he and Nathan didn’t encounter any barriers during the 2024 General Election. Nathan, who uses a wheelchair, was given an accessible area to fill out his ballot.

“The process was smooth,” Nathan said. 

If someone is concerned, has questions or wants to ensure they have the proper accommodations at their polling place, Adam suggests they reach out to their local election office. 

All voices matter

Adam said helping Nathan and others navigate the voting process goes along with Mosaic’s mission to relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people.

“Having an opportunity to participate in voting and having your voice heard matters,” Adam said. “Nathan’s voice matters just as much as anyone else’s voice. For him to be able to vote for what he believes in is very important.” 

To learn more about accommodations and the rights of voters in their state, refer to this state-by-state voting guide from the U.S. Vote Foundation. 

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This year’s campaign highlights that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities and always will be. As such, their voices deserve to be heard. Mosaic remains steadfast in our commitment to advocate for the rights of the people we support, including the right to vote. To join us in our efforts, visit Mosaic Allied Voices and click “Become an Advocate.”