Easterseals & AARP Survey Finds Nearly All Americans with Disabilities, Especially Those 50+, Plan to Vote in Midterms

Majority Concerned About How Voting Law Changes Could Impact Ability to Cast Ballot

CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Easterseals, in partnership with AARP, today released the second "State of Voters with Disabilities Survey" which finds 92% of Americans with disabilities 50+ plan to vote in the 2022 midterm election, with a majority indicating they will use early voting methods and/or require specific accommodations to vote. The survey also highlights the underlying concerns about access to voting and threats to Social Security and Medicare among people with disabilities – the nation's largest, most diverse group of voters.

"Tens of millions of Americans with disabilities plan to vote in the 2022 midterm election, but nearly half (43 percent) require specific accommodations to vote, and 62 percent are concerned that changes to voting laws could negatively impact their ability to cast a ballot," said Kendra Davenport, Easterseals president and CEO. "This bipartisan population is highly motivated to participate in the democratic process, but they are very concerned about the barriers in their way to fully exercise their right to vote."

The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of people with disabilities, and an oversample of adults with disabilities 50+, from August 23-29, 2022, by Pathfinder Opinion Research. Combined with Census estimates for this population, the survey results show there are an estimated 33 million registered voters with disabilities with nearly 30 million planning to vote in the 2022 U.S. midterm election.

"Recent changes in election laws are impacting voters' ability to successfully cast their ballots this year. That's why AARP is dedicated to providing all voters 50+ with trusted information on when, where, and how to vote during this election cycle," said AARP's director of Advocacy Engagement and Inclusion, Lisa Simpson. "It's more important now than ever for all voters 50+ to use their voice and power to vote."

Most voters with disabilities rely on early voting methods to participate in elections, and a significant percentage of adults with disabilities say they require specific accommodations in order to vote, according to the survey results. 61 percent of American voters with disabilities 50+ rely on early voting methods to participate in the election by using absentee voting, ballot box drop, or early voting in person prior to Election Day. Only 39 percent will vote in person.

Additionally, a significant number of voters with disabilities, 43 percent, require at least one accommodation in order to vote including transportation assistance to a voting location; in-person voting assistance from a voting official; a wheelchair at their voting site; and a braille ballot or sign-language interpreter.

"If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as other Americans, there would have been 1.75 million more voters in 2020," said Lisa Schur, professor and co-director of the Rutgers Program for Disability Research. "Part of the disability gap is due to inaccessible voting systems, which not only make it physically difficult to vote, but also send a psychological message that people with disabilities are not welcome in the political sphere."

Voters with disabilities demonstrate broad, bipartisan support for various policy reforms that would make it easier to vote:

• 90 percent support allowing voters who are older and/or have disabilities to receive assistance from people they trust to request, fill out, and return their absentee ballots.
• 82 percent support expanding use of absentee ballot drop boxes.
• 70 percent support allowing any registered voter to vote by mail with an absentee ballot with no excuse.

Pocketbook issues reflect the low employment, high rates of government assistance, and limited financial means for the majority of Americans with disabilities, with addressing inflation and strengthening Social Security among the top concerns of the 50+ sample. 

Nearly all, 85 percent, of Americans with disabilities receive some type of government assistance (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, SSI or SSDI) with the majority barely meeting or not meeting their basic needs.

• 35 percent just meet their basic needs
• 21 percent don't have enough to meet their basic needs

Review the full Easterseals & AARP State of Voters with Disabilities key findings and full methodology as reported by Pathfinder Opinion Research.

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won't rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through our national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 1.5 million people each year – from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, medical rehabilitation and employment programs, veterans' services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today. Together, we're empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. Learn more at www.easterseals.com.

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media. 

Pathfinder Opinion Research is a national public opinion research firm serving non-profit, issue advocacy, corporate, public affairs, and political clients who need a sound measure of public opinion and strategic advice on how to turn research into action.

SOURCE Easterseals