(Handi)Capability to Vote

Most of us American citizens are privileged enough to be capable of making the time and going out to vote whenever Election Day rolls around. Unfortunately, there are those who are not able to vote as easily. There are a variety of different reasons that might hinder citizens from voting. Everything from physical and mental disabilities to even simply not having the time available for voting. Sometimes there might even be a case of voter suppression that purposefully keeps specific people from voting on Election Day. Any of these reasons that keep people from voting should be addressed and remedied. Voting is a privilege that is given to every citizen of the United States of America. I will discuss the different way citizens are hindered from voting in our country and possible solutions to these different problems that, unfortunately, affect too many people who want to vote.

One of the minorities that are affected by the inaccessibility to vote are those who are physically or mentally handicapped. Sometimes, states or voting locations do not have the proper accommodations for anyone wanting to take part in the voting process who might be handicapped. Occasionally, an effort might be made to accomodate voters who are handicapped so that they might have the opportunity to vote, but not all of these efforts are always well done. Handicapped voters must be given the same opportunity for a private and independent way of voting like those who are able-bodied. Most of the time, a voter who is handicapped will be forced to have someone assist them in voting. The effort here is definitely recognized, but the handicapped voter still does not have the same privacy of a voter who simply walks into the voting booth alone, makes their vote, and leaves. States must make the effort ensure that no handicapped voters are ever given less than any other able-bodied voters.’

I have a cousin who is physically handicapped. He has been confined to a wheelchair for most of his life and he only retains a limited amount of mobility. This has caused him many problems throughout the years. Over the years, he has become accustomed to this way of life and he truly does make the best of what he does still have. He enjoys being independent and prefers to complete tasks on his own, most of the time, and will often persist in whatever he does and constantly refuses to be helped. I really am proud to know him and call him my relative. His strength truly is an inspiration for others out there who suffer similar handicaps. One of the many things that he does far better than I ever could is his civic engagement. He persists on voting each election and being well-informed in politics, both local and international. I firmly believe that handicapped individuals, such as my own cousin, should be allowed a private and independent vote without excessive assistance from others. Unfortunately, most of the time, those who are handicapped are not allowed the privilege of privacy whenever it comes to casting their vote. Hopefully, with more exposure on this issue in voting, sometime in the near future voting will be something that can be done with pride by anyone who is able to do so.