An U.S. Election Assistance Commission blog written by EAC Senior Advisor Patrick Leahy about the importance of accessibility for Veterans and Voters with Disabilities.

"Image shows an “I Voted!” sticker that includes Braille."
Oct 06 , 2022
EAC Chairman Thomas Hicks provides tips and resources to voters with disabilities on how to fully participate in our democratic process. This post was originally published on the Social Security Administration’s Social Security Matters blog.
US Election Assistance Commission, Accessibility Roundtable to Assist Voters with Disabilities and Election Officials
Jul 24 , 2020

EAC Commissioner Thomas Hicks was joined by Lou Ann Blake (Deputy Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind), Lee Page (Associate Director of Advocacy, Paralyzed Veterans of America), Derek Bowens (Director of Elections, Durham County, NC), and Brett Harbage (ADA Coordinator, Office of the Ohio Secretary of State) for the first

image of Doug Chapin standing at the front with workshop participants seated at the front facing forum attendees
Feb 28 , 2020

Last week, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) hosted the 2020 Elections Disability, Accessibility, and Security Forum. The day-long gathering featured discussions on pressing issues to voters with disabilities and election officials amidst growing security needs.

image of Doug Chapin standing at the front with workshop participants seated at the front facing forum attendees
Feb 28 , 2020

Last week, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) hosted the 2020 Elections Disability, Accessibility, and Security Forum. The day-long gathering featured discussions on pressing issues to voters with disabilities and election officials amidst growing security needs.

Working to Close the Gap: New Data to Help Voters with Disabilities and Election Officials
Jul 25 , 2019
?Professors Dr. Lisa Schur and Dr. Doug Kruse of Rutgers University recently issued their report “Disability and Turnout in the 2018 Elections.” I caught up with them to discuss some of their findings and how the report can assist voters with disabilities and election officials in the 2020 presidential election.
A Dialogue with Leaders in the Disability Community on Voting Accessibility and Security
Jul 24 , 2019
Just days ahead of the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the EAC’s four Commissioners met with members of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) for a pre-conference session on accessibility and security in the voting process. Commissioners also heard from attendees about a variety of other election access needs for voters with disabilities.
Jul 25 , 2018
As the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) continues our July focus on innovative programs for voters with disabilities and those with access needs, we caught up with Joseph Canciamilla, Clerk, Recorder and Registrar, Contra Costa County, California and his team about their specialized polling place training effort.
Jul 09 , 2018
The El Paso County Elections Department collaborates with the local Independence Center for Southern Colorado to offer a universally accessible polling place for voters with and without access needs. A recipient of a 2017 EAC Clearie award for Improving Accessibility in Elections, the El Paso County initiative is an outstanding example of the power of people coming together to help voters with disabilities and poll workers.
Jun 26 , 2018
Last week, U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Chairman Thomas Hicks and Vice Chair Christy McCormick conducted a town hall discussion with voters with disabilities and advocates from across America during the annual conference of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) in Baltimore, Maryland.
Nov 30 , 2017
As the EAC wraps up our observance of National Veterans and Military Families Month, we spoke to Marine Corps Reserve Capt. Matt Mallalieu, Military Liaison for Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, about Secretary Kemp’s commitment to helping active duty service members and veterans across the Peach State.
Nov 21 , 2017
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is paying tribute to the nation's veterans and active duty service members throughout National Veterans and Military Families Month by highlighting key voting accessibility resources. In particular, veterans with visible and invisible disabilities can face considerable challenges when they go to cast a ballot. The EAC is focused on improving this voting process for our nation’s heroes by highlighting best practices and success stories from across America.
Aug 02 , 2017
As the EAC wraps up our July series on the recognition of innovations in election accessibility, we caught up with Professors Lisa Schur and Douglas Kruse of Rutgers University. They recently issued a report entitled, “Disability and Turnout in the 2016 Election.” As in their past reports, the findings are invaluable additions of ways to improve the voting process for people with disabilities.
Jul 21 , 2017
During July, as the EAC continues to highlight election innovations in accessibility, we caught up with Washington State’s Lori Augino, Director of Elections for the Office of the Secretary of State.
Jul 07 , 2017
During July, the EAC will be highlighting this vital law, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the advances these laws have brought to the voting process.
Feb 08 , 2017
Today, I would like to share a voting story we received from Sharon. As you will read below, although Sharon was eventually able to cast her ballot, she went to great lengths to make it happen. No one should have to face the difficulties that Sharon did to exercise their right to vote.
Dec 12 , 2016
On Election Day, the EAC heard from voters with disabilities who faced negative experiences with the voting process, assistance at the polls, and physical access issues at their polling place. This is unacceptable in our great nation where the laws seek to provide access to all. We must do better.
Dec 06 , 2016
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) wants to hear from voters with disabilities about their stories on Election Day. Please email us at: listen@eac.gov. Send us the good or the bad: we would like your feedback.