ACLU Statement on the Accessible Voting Act

WASHINGTON — The Accessible Voting Act was introduced today in the House, as a companion to legislation introduced earlier this year in the Senate. The legislation would establish new protections and improve voting access for individuals with disabilities and older Americans and provide greater support for many often-disenfranchised voters. The bill was introduced by Reps. Scanlon (D-Pa.) and Raskin (D-Md.) and Sens. Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Casey (D-Pa.), ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The American Civil Liberties Union endorsed the legislation and urged members of Congress to co-sponsor.

The following is a statement from Sonia Gill, senior legislative counsel for the ACLU:

“No one should be denied the right to vote due to disability, age, or minority status. The Accessible Voting Act would expand voting access for millions of Americans who continue to encounter unique barriers to exercising their right to vote. Specifically, the bill establishes new protections and improves access for communities frequently disenfranchised, including voters with disabilities and older Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and language minority voters.

“One in 4 American adults has a disability, and a similar portion of our population is age 60 or older. Yet, in 2016, 83 percent of polling places surveyed did not meet accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our democracy works best when every eligible voter can cast their ballot and have their voice heard. The Accessible Voting Act moves us forward towards that goal.”