Barriers to the Ballot

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A Community Blog

While the integrity of our elections is a goal we can all respect, it should never come at the cost of disenfranchising a significant portion of our population. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 8281) creates functional barriers that strike at the heart of our democratic principles: the idea that every voice—and every vote—matters.

For many in the disability community, the SAVE Act introduces “limbo” in the form of administrative The Act requires documentary proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) to register to vote. Millions of Americans lack these documents readily at hand, and for those with mobility or transportation challenges, the process of obtaining them can be nearly impossible.including

the AAPD, have noted that these requirements disproportionately impact people with disabilities, students, and low-income individuals who may not have the means to navigate complex bureaucratic systems.

By adding these layers, the Act undermines the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which was designed to make it easier—not harder—for all citizens to participate in their government.Excluding a population from the polls is against the very spirit of our nation. True election integrity comes from ensuring that every eligible citizen, regardless of their physical or cognitive ability, has a clear path to the ballot box.

More information here

AAPD Response to the SAVE Act Center for Public Representation: The SAVE Act Will Harm People with Disabilities