Voices From The Community | Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

Voter Guide 2022 - Reeve Foundation

Written by Reeve Staff | Sep 13, 2022 4:00:00 AM

September 12-16, 2022 is Disability Voting Rights Week. In the 2020 presidential election, 17.7 million of the over 38 million Americans with disabilities cast a ballot. Although the voter turnout increased overall from 2016, the voter turnout rate was 7% lower than for voters without disabilities. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, whose mission is to increase the quality of life for people living with paralysis and spinal cord injury, views this upcoming election as a great opportunity to close the voter participation gap.

During the 2020 election, amid the onset global COVID-19 pandemic, more states offered no-excuse absentee voting, curbside voting and same-day voter registration. These additional options have made voting more accessible, but many states have enacted new voting requirements and restrictions. It is important to make your voting plan in advance of election day.

Participation from our friends and family with a disability is essential in the November election to ensure the results accurately reflect the will of all the people. To do that, we have compiled voter registration deadlines, absentee ballot application deadlines, and some facts on individual states to help the community know what options and services are available for you to fulfill your fundamental civil right. Use this as a guide, but be sure to check in with your local board of elections (links provided), as the details around voting are liable to change daily as states update their capabilities.

And don’t forget, every ballot will include a host of local ballot measures. If you want to study up on the issues facing your state and local community, Ballotpedia has put together a helpful guide.

Read more about your state registration deadlines here.