Columbia Advocates for Disability Voting Rights
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a recent event that shone a light on crucial voting issues, a non-profit organization in the Columbia area seized the moment during Disability Voting Rights Week, which ran from September 9 to 13 this year. The week is a part of a nonpartisan initiative led by the American Association of People with Disabilities, aimed at raising awareness and empowering voters with disabilities.
The Numbers Speak
Imagine this: over 35 million Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to cast their votes if they’re registered. Yet, many face significant hurdles at the polls, making their voting experience anything but simple. Local advocacy group Able SC has been vocal about these challenges, emphasizing that voting should be an accessible and private process for everyone.
Understanding the Barriers
One spokesperson for Able SC outlined some of the distressing trends in voting accessibility. People with disabilities often find themselves in situations where they do not have the freedom to choose who assists them in casting their vote. Instead, they may be placed in public settings that compromise their voting privacy, making their choices visible to others. It’s a scenario that many wouldn’t find acceptable, yet it’s a harsh reality for many voters with disabilities.
Voter Rights and Resources
“People with disabilities have the right to accommodations and support during their voting experience,” shared Dori Tempio, senior director of community education at Able SC. She provided essential insights into how individuals can navigate the voting process, stating, “You can apply to have the application sent to you, and you can ask for it in accessible formats.” This is particularly crucial for those considering an absentee ballot, which can offer a more comfortable option for casting votes.
Tempio went on to highlight the importance of resources available to individuals preparing to vote. “If you need assistance, reach out to Able South Carolina or Disability Rights South Carolina,” she advised, emphasizing the support these organizations can offer.
The Personal Journey
Tempio is no stranger to the obstacles faced by voters with disabilities. “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,” she shared passionately. These experiences motivate her to advocate for a voting environment where accessibility is the norm rather than the exception.
As she reflects on her own journey, Tempio realizes that many voters who face physical or logistical barriers should still have the opportunity to make their voices heard. “If I’ve shown up, I should have the opportunity to vote, and even if I can’t come there physically to vote, I should be able to vote early or absentee using alternative and accessible formats,” she pointed out.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Beyond just highlighting personal struggles, Tempio expressed a deep desire for the community at large—voters and poll workers alike—to understand the rights of individuals with disabilities. “It’s how we make change. It’s how we make choices,” she declared. “When we’re able to do all those things, we know we’re truly part of society.”
As the week concluded, the sentiment echoed throughout Columbia remains crystal clear: individuals with disabilities deserve inclusion and the same voting opportunities as every citizen. While challenges persist, advocates like Tempio are hopeful that through education, awareness, and empathy, progress will continue, paving the way for a more inclusive democracy.
