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Arizona Voters With Disabilities Face Hurdles When Casting Their Ballot
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
A 2020 ballot.
The number of people with disabilities who are eligible to vote is growing. That’s according to a study from Rutgers University. But actually being able to exercise that right isn’t always easy.
"I have muscular dystrophy, so really no mobility in my hands. So I need assistance to sign my ballot," said Asim Dietrich, staff attorney at the Arizona Center for Disability Law.
And he signed his ballot with an X.
"And that can count as a signature. And it can be verified and counted," said Dietrich.
But it wasn’t. When he called the Maricopa County Elections Department, he got conflicting information.
"They told me you need an actual signature and X will not suffice. And then the third and fourth time I called, they said and an X is fine for a signature."
They eventually counted his ballot. Dietrich says there needs to be more training across the board for election officials.
Especially because the disability community is a very large voting block, says Dietrich.
"That happens a lot where the disability community is not acknowledged, but the disability vote is very powerful. When you look at certain policies whether it's health care, or education, or social services in this state, people with disabilities have a very powerful voice."
A study from Rutgers University found there are roughly 38 million people with disabilities across the United States who can vote in the upcoming presidential election, and this group could play an important role on Election Day.
