How tech is boosting the turnout of disabled voters
Oct 22, 2024
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Michelle Bishop, the Voter Access and Engagement Manager at the National Disability Rights Network, dives into the challenges disabled voters face and how technology can enhance their voting experience. She discusses the significant increases in turnout due to remote voting options implemented during the 2020 election. Bishop emphasizes the importance of balancing security with accessibility, highlighting the ongoing need for inclusive practices to empower disabled voters while navigating the risks of technological integration.
The integration of technology into the voting process is essential for empowering disabled voters, but it must prioritize security to prevent disenfranchisement.
The increase in remote voting options during the pandemic significantly boosted turnout among disabled voters, highlighting the need for consistent accessibility in future elections.
Deep dives
Balancing Technology and Accessibility in Voting
Integrating technology into the voting process is crucial for empowering disabled voters, but it must be done with care to address security concerns. Experts emphasize the need to strike a balance between making the voting process accessible and ensuring the security of each vote. The adoption of electronic voting options that have already benefited military and overseas voters can also be extended to voters with disabilities, allowing them to cast their ballots in a more convenient and accessible manner. However, this must be accompanied by protective measures to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Impact of Remote Voting Options Since 2020
The expansion of remote voting options during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased voter turnout among individuals with disabilities. With innovations like early voting and mail-in ballots, many disabled voters found new avenues to participate in elections. However, the rollback of some of these options in subsequent elections has led to growing concerns about accessibility among these voters. This inconsistency can create confusion and might hinder voter participation, highlighting the importance of maintaining accessible voting methods.
Separating Fact from Misinformation in Election Security
Concerns about the security of electronic voting systems must be addressed without falling prey to misinformation that undermines election integrity. Voters with disabilities require secure systems to ensure their participation without facing disenfranchisement. Experts argue that while there are valid security concerns associated with electronic voting, it is important to differentiate between genuine risks and baseless narratives that are spreading fear. A thoughtful approach that allows for calculated risks can help ensure that all voters, especially those with disabilities, receive the access they need.
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Balancing Technology and Security in Disabled Voting Access
Trying to vote when your disabled can present a series of obstacles but technology can help, even if integrating technology into our election system has its risks. Back in 2020, several states changed their voting rules with more mail-in, early, and remote voting options which increased turnout among disabled voters. Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams recently spoke with Michelle Bishop, voter access and engagement manager at the National Disability Rights Network, about finding the right balance of tech integration into our elections in order to empower more disabled voters in the U.S.
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