Long-Term Care Right to Vote
#LTCVOTES
WE COULD REALLY USE YOUR HELP!
Individuals with developmental disabilities and those living in long-term care communities have the right to vote, just like any other citizen. We want to make sure that elders and people with disabilities living in long-term care communities have the ability to do so, which is why we have launched the Long-Term Care Right to Vote #LTCVOTES campaign.
We have created an Outreach Kit, which you will find below, to help you help us get the word out!
In the Outreach Kit, you will find a general email template, a general campaign poster, and some other documents specific to federal rights and voting rights for people with I/DD. Also, we have put a copy of the letter that was sent to CMS.
We cannot do this alone, and we really need your help! Please start sharing and educating others on the importance of helping protect the voting rights of those who live and receive any kind of LTSS services.
Together, we can all ensure that all LTSS residents have the information and resources they might need to protect their right to vote!
Long-Term Care Right to Vote Outreach Kit
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Listen to Kate Poppenhagen, formerly the long-term care ombudsman for Larimer County, Colo. and currently a Ph.D student in social gerontology, on the Elevate Eldercare podcast, with Alex Spanko, discuss a new effort to ensure all elders can vote this November, regardless of where they call home — and regardless of the candidates they support.
Background
The right to vote is protected under various laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Voting Rights Act which ensure that people with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, are not discriminated against in the voting process.
Here are some key points regarding the right to vote for individuals with developmental disabilities:
1. Legal Protections: The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including voting. This means that people with developmental disabilities have the right to access polling places, voting equipment, and other voting-related services.
2. Voting Assistance: Individuals with developmental disabilities are entitled to receive assistance when voting. This can include help from a person of their choosing, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver. Election officials must also provide accessible voting materials and assistance as needed.
3. Guardianship and Voting Rights: In some cases, individuals with developmental disabilities may have a legal guardian. However, having a guardian does not automatically disqualify a person from voting. Voting rights can only be restricted if a court specifically rules that the individual is incapable of understanding the voting process.
4. Education and Awareness: Voters with developmental disabilities may benefit from education about the voting process, which can be provided by community organizations, advocacy groups, or election officials. This ensures that they understand their rights and are prepared to participate in elections.
5. Challenges and Barriers: Despite legal protections, individuals with developmental disabilities may still face barriers to voting, such as inaccessible polling places, lack of transportation, or misunderstandings about their rights. Advocacy and continued efforts to improve accessibility are essential.
In summary, individuals with developmental disabilities have the right to vote and should be provided with the necessary support and accommodations to exercise this right fully.
vote.gov provides complete state-by-state information
USA.GOV General Information about voting
US Elections Assistance Committee Provides resources/support to make the voting process accessible
National Consumer Voice Provides general information regarding voting rights for residents of LTC