Empowering Voices: Navigating Voting Rights for Individuals with Disabilities in Columbia
Columbia, S.C. — Recently, a local non-profit organization made waves during Disability Voting Rights Week by highlighting the issues that people with disabilities face when trying to cast their votes. This important week, celebrated from September 9 to 13 this year, is a nonpartisan initiative from the American Association of People with Disabilities aimed at fostering advocacy and empowering the community of voters with disabilities.
The numbers are significant—over 35 million Americans with disabilities have the right to vote when registered. Yet, many still face serious barriers. One such organization addressing these challenges is Able SC, a local disability-led non-profit. They pointed out that voting should be a private and secure experience for everyone, but individuals with disabilities often find that isn’t the case.
A Question of Privacy in Voting
A spokesperson from Able SC acknowledged that, in many voting scenarios, people with disabilities lack the privacy to make their choices freely. Instead of having a trusted friend or family member assist them, they sometimes find themselves in a situation where their voting process is a public spectacle, where others can see who they are voting for.
It’s essential for everyone to know that voters with disabilities are entitled to accommodations and support throughout their voting experience. This includes options for filing absentee ballots and having their applications sent to them in accessible formats. “You can apply to have the application sent to you. You can ask for it in accessible formats,” explained Dori Tempio, senior director of community education at Able SC. “If you also need any type of assistance, you can contact us or Disability Rights South Carolina.”
Experiencing and Overcoming Barriers
Tempio passionately shared her own experience, stating, “I love voting. I’ve been voting since I was 18 years old, and even when I’ve had challenges each year to voting, I show up, and that’s important.” No matter the obstacles, the commitment to vote stands strong in her heart. “If I’ve shown up, I should have the opportunity to vote, and even if I can’t physically come to the polls, I should still be able to cast my vote through early voting or absentee ballots using methods that work for me,” she added.
Despite having faced several barriers herself, Tempio was determined to educate others about voting rights for individuals with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of awareness among both voters and poll workers. “It’s how we make change. It’s how we make choices. When we’re inclusive, we’re truly a part of society,” she said. “People with disabilities like myself, we all want to be included and have those opportunities.”
Creating a More Accessible Future
The voices raised during Disability Voting Rights Week serve as a reminder that while progress is being made, the journey to ensuring equal voting access for individuals with disabilities is ongoing. With each conversation about these issues, we come closer to a future where every citizen, regardless of ability, can participate in shaping their community and their country.
In the spirit of inclusivity, it’s crucial for all individuals—regardless of their physical abilities—to work together towards a more equitable voting experience. For those needing assistance or more information, reaching out to local organizations like Able SC can be a vital first step.
