Disability Victory Endorses Legislation to Increase Accessibility of Democratic Processes
Disability Victory applauds the reintroduction of the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act, the AID Local Government Leadership Act, and the Accessible Voting Act.
This suite of legislation will address longstanding access barriers to the democratic process to disabled Americans and help local and state governments come into compliance with disability rights and civil rights laws. This legislation will also ensure that disabled people no longer have to choose between campaigning for elected office and receiving their disability benefits.
While more work must be done to give disabled people full access to civic participation, this legislation is a critical step in fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensuring that disabled people are able to engage in our electoral processes as voters, candidates, and elected officials.
Read on to learn more about this legislation.
S. 3747 The Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office For People with Disabilities Act
Clarifies to federal agencies administering federal disability benefits that campaigning for elected office does not disqualify a person from receiving disability benefits.
Amends the Social Security Act to clarify that filing and campaigning for elected office is not considered work, substantial gainful activity, or any other type of activity that would disqualify an otherwise eligible person from receiving federal disability benefits.
For more information on the barriers to running for office on federal disability benefits, read our piece "Social Security and Running for Office: What You Need to Know."
S. 3748 The Accessible Voting Act
Establishes the Office of Accessibility within the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to support state efforts to expand voter accessibility.
Establishes a state grant program to administer for improving the accessibility of voting.
Provides up-to-date voting information and resources through easily accessible websites.
Expands the number of options to cast a ballot for people with disabilities in federal elections.
Creates a national resource center on accessible voting.
Reauthorizes grants to states through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve voting accessibility.
S. 3749 The AID (Accessibility and Inclusion to Diversify) Local Government Leadership Act
Provides smaller local governments most likely to have limited budgets with a grant to support reasonable accommodations for local elected officials with disabilities.
Supports local governments with creating an ongoing accommodation fund to ensure current and future disabled elected officials have continued access to needed accommodations.
These bills have been introduced by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA) introduced companions to the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected office for People with Disabilities Act and the AID Local Government Leadership Act. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) introduced a companion to the Accessible Voting Act.