Democracy

The disabled community has proven to be a powerful voting bloc. Yet countless barriers continue to make it harder for disabled people to fully participate in our democracy.

Despite multiple federal laws intended to ensure accessible voting, disabled voters across the country face obstacles that prevent them from casting ballots freely and independently.

In the South, the legacy of Jim Crow and continued voter suppression has created even greater challenges. Inaccessible polling places, restrictions on absentee ballots, long lines, limited early voting windows, and transportation barriers have disenfranchised disabled voters across the region.

Disabled voters of color are disproportionately impacted. Structural racism and disability discrimination intersect to restrict access to civic participation.

Democracy only works when everyone can participate. When disabled people are blocked from voting, entire communities lose political power.

What New Disabled South Is Doing

• Fighting back against anti voting efforts and advancing solutions that remove barriers for disabled voters.
• Investing in research to identify policy reforms that expand access and ensure every disabled person in the South can cast a ballot.
• Educating disabled voters on how to vote freely and independently.
• Working with partners to provide accessible rides to the polls during elections.
• Advocating for accessible polling locations, expanded absentee options, and voting processes that respect autonomy.

We believe access to the ballot is foundational to building disabled political power in the South.