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The Power of the Disabled Vote in the 2024 Election

Posted November 05, 2024

AudioEye

Posted November 05, 2024

Illustration of a man in a wheelchair placing a ballot inside a ballot box labeled "Vote," with an American flag in the background.
Illustration of a man in a wheelchair placing a ballot inside a ballot box labeled "Vote," with an American flag in the background.

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In this post, Mariella Paulino-Peralta highlights the rising influence of the disabled vote in the 2024 election — and underscores the need for candidates to embrace accessible, inclusive campaigning to earn the trust of a community poised to shape policy outcomes.

Did you know that people with disabilities have only been able to exercise their right to vote for about 40 years? Up until 1984, countless Americans with disabilities faced physical and logistical barriers at polling places that prevented them from voting until the passage of the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984. This milestone legislation mandated accessible polling places and absentee ballots for those who needed them. Yet in our present day, absentee and mail-in voting can be fraught with challenges, including handling ballots, mailing them back, and meeting specific requirements that compromise privacy and accessibility. States like Oregon, New York, and Connecticut have introduced essential solutions such as accessible voting machines, curbside voting, and electronic ballot marking systems that integrate assistive technologies—steps in the right direction to ensure equitable access, but these are still imperfect solutions.

Voting is one of the most direct ways we engage in democracy. Still, for millions of people with disabilities, the process isn’t always straightforward, and they are prevented from having their voices heard in policies that affect every aspect of their lives. That’s not just an oversight—it’s an injustice. It’s not just about whether polling stations have ramps or accessible voting machines. The barriers go beyond the physical and extend to confusing websites for political leaders and candidates, unclear instructions, and technology that doesn’t work the way it should, highlighting that as we head into this election this year, there’s still so much work left to do.

The Data Illuminates a Clear Path Forward

With the 2024 election underway, the disabled vote is more critical than ever. In fact, According to the National Institute of Health, people with disabilities make up the largest minority population in the United States. Over the next decade, this community is expected to grow exponentially, driven by long COVID’s lasting impact on millions and an aging population that, by 2035, will see older adults outnumber children, bringing more chronic conditions and mobility challenges to the fore. As this population grows, so does its influence, transforming accessibility from a simple consideration into a decisive voting issue. Candidates who invest in accessible digital content like the website or social media, clear communication that prioritizes accessibility best practices like plain language, and other best practices for their campaigns and platforms demonstrate respect for a diverse electorate ready to shape policy outcomes. Our community’s collective voice is becoming one of the most potent forces in American democracy, with the potential to define elections and vote leaders into office who prioritize inclusion and disability rights. 

A Look Back at US Leadership with Disabilities 

The impact of disability in leadership is often overlooked, yet its influence has been profound, especially in American policy. Several American presidents lived with disabilities, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, who contracted polio at 39 and used a wheelchair throughout his presidency. Despite physical limitations, FDR led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, proving that disability is not a barrier to effective leadership. His experience informed pivotal social reforms, including establishing Social Security, which supports millions of disabled Americans. John F. Kennedy is another notable leader with a disability. He managed chronic pain from injuries sustained in World War II, which influenced his empathy toward others' struggles and inspired his push for social and economic reforms. Finally, Tony Coelho, a powerful advocate for disability rights and a Board Member at AudioEye, has carried this legacy of accessibility and inclusion. Coelho, who has epilepsy, authored the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation that protects the civil rights of people with disabilities. Last year, to celebrate the ADA’s 33rd anniversary, Coelho joined David Moradi, CEO of AudioEye, for a fireside chat discussing the ADA, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance, and the importance of using accurate tools to meet Section 508 standards.

These leaders didn’t “overcome” their disabilities but used their unique perspectives to expand opportunities for all Americans. Through their policies, they advocated for inclusion and accessibility, illustrating that disability doesn’t limit capability. Instead, it often fosters a deeper understanding of justice, inclusion, and the importance of accessible and equitable experiences for all.

The Strategic Advantage of Our Community

The power and influence of the disabled vote extends beyond our leadership. We are a force that no campaigner, politician, or marketer can afford to overlook. With nearly 25% of the U.S. adult population identifying as having a disability (about 61 million people), this demographic holds a staggering $21 billion in disposable income, and when you consider the larger global disability market, including friends and family, the collective purchasing power reaches $13 trillion! This makes it a powerful voting bloc that remains historically marginalized and underrepresented. However, with rising awareness and expanding accessibility, this community is mobilizing, and their collective voice could be pivotal in shaping election outcomes and subsequent policies.

Yet, the true potential of the disabled vote extends beyond logistical fixes. Politicians and campaigners must understand that accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's a strategic advantage. Campaigns prioritizing accessibility in outreach, communications, and digital presence signal respect for the disability community’s autonomy and acknowledge their value as voters. Accessible websites, campaign materials adhering to the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and inclusive platforms allow candidates to connect with this audience directly and meaningfully. Ignoring accessibility risks alienating not only disabled voters but also their allies—family members, friends, and caregivers who advocate for inclusive policy.

In the digital era, where campaign information is consumed online, providing clear, user-friendly experiences is vital for mobilizing this powerful, values-driven demographic. By investing in accessibility, campaigners build voter loyalty and trust, creating lasting connections beyond a single election. It’s time for candidates to recognize the disabled vote as a critical component of a winning strategy. One that validates every American's voice, regardless of ability, in shaping our nation's future.

Voting with Purpose

People with disabilities have faced barriers that exclude them from participating in our democracy, not because they don’t want to be heard, but because this system wasn’t designed with us in mind. Accessible voting isn’t a privilege, it’s a fundamental right that honors every person in our society. And for me, the stakes are deeply personal. I carry my disability with pride, but every barrier I face reminds me of the millions of others who deserve more than an invitation to participate, they deserve a guarantee. When I vote, I’m choosing leaders who understand accessibility is a need-to-have. This election is a chance to affirm equity, inclusion, and the right for everyone to make a difference. For every parent, child, and person with a disability, accessible voting is a promise that no one will be left behind. Let’s create a future where we cast our ballots with dignity and confidence, knowing our voices and stories are woven into this nation’s future.

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