Barriers to Democracy: Voter Accessibility in Minnesota

Global Context of Voting

Agenda Historical Context Why did we get involved The first survey The post-election survey Solutions

Historical Context

Why did we get involved

The first survey

The post-election survey

Solutions

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article XXI The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.” Right to Vote

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article XXI

The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”

Minnesota Constitution ARTICLE VII Section 1. Every person 18 years of age or more who has been a citizen of the United States for three months and who has resided in the precinct for 30 days next preceding an election shall be entitled to vote in that precinct. Right to Vote

Minnesota Constitution

ARTICLE VII Section 1.

Every person 18 years of age or more who has been a citizen of the United States for three months and who has resided in the precinct for 30 days next preceding an election shall be entitled to vote in that precinct.

Recent Landmarks Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act 1984 Requires polling places to be physically accessible to people with disabilities Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 Provided for ballot and poll access for those with disabilities Help America Vote Act 2002 Mandates that all polling places have at least one disability-accessible voting device

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act 1984

Requires polling places to be physically accessible to people with disabilities

Americans with Disabilities Act 1990

Provided for ballot and poll access for those with disabilities

Help America Vote Act 2002

Mandates that all polling places have at least one disability-accessible voting device

Why Voting? Why Courage? What if you wanted to vote but the polling place was locked? For many of the 33.7 million Americans with disabilities of voting age, this situation is all too real

What if you wanted to vote but the polling place was locked?

For many of the 33.7 million Americans with disabilities of voting age, this situation is all too real

Why Voting? Why Courage? Courage Center is committed to advancing the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. Empowering people to advocate for themselves, friends, family and the whole community is essential for moving Minnesota forward.

Courage Center is committed to advancing the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence.

Empowering people to advocate for themselves, friends, family and the whole community is essential for moving Minnesota forward.

Why Voting? Why Courage? A study by researchers Kay Schriner and Douglas Kruse shows that people with disabilities eligible to vote are 20 percentage points less likely than non-disabled people to do so. University of Arkansas Study

Why Voting? Why Courage? If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as the non-disabled, 10M more votes would have been cast in the last Presidential election - a major voting bloc. Voting is power, and measuring the size of a group's vote can significantly impact that group's political muscle. Untapped Power of the Disability Vote

If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as the non-disabled, 10M more votes would have been cast in the last Presidential election - a major voting bloc.

Voting is power, and measuring the size of a group's vote can significantly impact that group's political muscle.

The First Survey Development We developed the survey by reviewing the literature and looking at common problems with access. We wanted to hit on all types of accessibility – including physical and social access

We developed the survey by reviewing the literature and looking at common problems with access.

We wanted to hit on all types of accessibility – including physical and social access

The First Survey Data Collection We distributed the survey through various organizations, particularly utilizing the reach of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities They were distributed in hard copy and by email We received 144 surveys Conducted in March of 2008

We distributed the survey through various organizations, particularly utilizing the reach of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

They were distributed in hard copy and by email

We received 144 surveys

First Survey Outcomes 97% of the respondents voted in Minnesota 90% voted at the polling place, 10% absentee 65% of the respondents knew that accessible voting machines were available, but only 44% used them 64% of respondents knew that they could use an absentee ballot, and 54% said they knew they could request to always get an absentee ballot. By the numbers

97% of the respondents voted in Minnesota

90% voted at the polling place, 10% absentee

65% of the respondents knew that accessible voting machines were available, but only 44% used them

64% of respondents knew that they could use an absentee ballot, and 54% said they knew they could request to always get an absentee ballot.

First Survey Outcomes 26% of respondents reported that transportation or parking were barriers to the polls While the individual responses for physical barriers were not high, 24% of respondents reported at least one physical barrier to the polls Heavy doors, signage, curb cuts, steps, narrow or obstructed paths, narrow doors, ramps, and revolving doors were the biggest challenges Physical Barriers to Voting

26% of respondents reported that transportation or parking were barriers to the polls

While the individual responses for physical barriers were not high, 24% of respondents reported at least one physical barrier to the polls

Heavy doors, signage, curb cuts, steps, narrow or obstructed paths, narrow doors, ramps, and revolving doors were the biggest challenges

First Survey Outcomes 20% of respondents reported that providing identification was a barrier to the polls 11% of the respondents reported that election judges had presented barriers to voting. Other Barriers to Voting

20% of respondents reported that providing identification was a barrier to the polls

11% of the respondents reported that election judges had presented barriers to voting.

However, we had more questions: We didn’t specify which election, so could not say whether these were problems that had existed at one time, or existed currently We decided to repeat the survey after the 2008 elections to see what the experiences of were in a Presidential year We also wanted more information about where the respondents lived, and more about their health condition

We didn’t specify which election, so could not say whether these were problems that had existed at one time, or existed currently

We decided to repeat the survey after the 2008 elections to see what the experiences of were in a Presidential year

We also wanted more information about where the respondents lived, and more about their health condition

New Survey We received 127 surveys, returned by individuals who were eligible to vote in the 2008 Presidential elections. The respondents had a wide range of disabilities, including: Completed this Summer

We received 127 surveys, returned by individuals who were eligible to vote in the 2008 Presidential elections.

The respondents had a wide range of disabilities, including:

Breakdown of Disabilities

Respondents were Statewide

New Survey 55% of the respondents were aware of accessible voting machines 31% of the respondents had used the accessible voting machines However, 10% reported that election judges being unable to use the accessible voting machines was a barrier to voting How we vote

55% of the respondents were aware of accessible voting machines

31% of the respondents had used the accessible voting machines

However, 10% reported that election judges being unable to use the accessible voting machines was a barrier to voting

New Survey 78% were aware that they could vote by absentee ballot Respondents had strong feelings about going to the polls and voting Overall distrust of absentee ballots, and whether they would be counted Absentee Ballots

78% were aware that they could vote by absentee ballot

Respondents had strong feelings about going to the polls and voting

Overall distrust of absentee ballots, and whether they would be counted

Comments on Absentee Ballots “ They have to count my ballots if I come in person, absentee ballots may not be counted.” “ It’s traditional for me to vote in person.” “ Why should I [vote absentee]? I have the right to vote in person and shouldn’t be forced to vote absentee” Comments Included:

“ They have to count my ballots if I come in person, absentee ballots may not be counted.”

“ It’s traditional for me to vote in person.”

“ Why should I [vote absentee]? I have the right to vote in person and shouldn’t be forced to vote absentee”

Comments on Absentee Ballots “ Because I want to participate in the process” Respondents wanted to be part of the social experience as a member of the community, and specifically to demonstrate that everyone votes. Some eligible voters didn’t know that they could vote absentee, or found the absentee process complicated or confusing.

“ Because I want to participate in the process” Respondents wanted to be part of the social experience as a member of the community, and specifically to demonstrate that everyone votes.

Some eligible voters didn’t know that they could vote absentee, or found the absentee process complicated or confusing.

New Survey TRANSPORTATION 34% identified transportation, parking or drop off problems as barriers to the polls Barriers Identified by Respondents

TRANSPORTATION

34% identified transportation, parking or drop off problems as barriers to the polls

New Survey PHYSICAL BARRIERS 35% identified physical barriers to the polls and to voting. Barriers Identified by Respondents

PHYSICAL BARRIERS

35% identified physical barriers to the polls and to voting.

New Survey Doors too heavy or difficult to open – 17% Lack of signage to accessible entrance – 13% Narrow or obstructed paths, in or outside of the building – 10% Steps – 9% Lack of curb cuts at the voting site – 9% Doors that are too narrow – 6% Ramps too steep – 3% Revolving doors – 2% Barriers Identified by Respondents

Doors too heavy or difficult to open – 17%

Lack of signage to accessible entrance – 13%

Narrow or obstructed paths, in or outside of the building – 10%

Steps – 9%

Lack of curb cuts at the voting site – 9%

Doors that are too narrow – 6%

Ramps too steep – 3%

Revolving doors – 2%

New Survey ELECTION JUDGES/STAFF 14% of the respondents identified the polling staff as a barrier to voting (increase over last survey) Only 37% of the respondents were able to vote without asking for help. Barriers Identified by Respondents

ELECTION JUDGES/STAFF

14% of the respondents identified the polling staff as a barrier to voting (increase over last survey)

Only 37% of the respondents were able to vote without asking for help.

New Survey IDENTIFICATION 8% reported that the need for identification was a current barrier to voting In one case, the voter lived in a group home, did not have an ID, and didn’t receive bills in the mail so could not use those as ID. The staff at the group home would not accompany the individual to vote. Barriers Identified by Respondents

IDENTIFICATION

8% reported that the need for identification was a current barrier to voting

In one case, the voter lived in a group home, did not have an ID, and didn’t receive bills in the mail so could not use those as ID. The staff at the group home would not accompany the individual to vote.

What are the Solutions Long lines Difficulty getting a picture ID Difficulty physically handling the ID Difficulty with transportation to get the ID Problem with losing the ID Picture ID We asked if needing a picture ID would be a barrier to voting. 10% said that it would, and cited the following problems:

Long lines

Difficulty getting a picture ID

Difficulty physically handling the ID

Difficulty with transportation to get the ID

Problem with losing the ID

What are the Solutions Assessment of the environment Is community transportation available throughout the voting day? (not just work hours) Are the judges trained and comfortable with the voting machines?

Is community transportation available throughout the voting day? (not just work hours)

Are the judges trained and comfortable with the voting machines?

Poll Accessibility Checklist Are the doors (interior or exterior) too narrow for wheelchairs? Is there adequate parking and drop-off space near the polling area? Are there curb cuts at the voting sites? Are there narrow or obstructed paths inside or outside of the building?

Are the doors (interior or exterior) too narrow for wheelchairs?

Is there adequate parking and drop-off space near the polling area?

Are there curb cuts at the voting sites?

Are there narrow or obstructed paths inside or outside of the building?

Poll Accessibility Checklist Is the voting location and parking and drop off areas clearly marked? Are there steps between parking and the voting location? If there is a ramp, is it of appropriate grade? Are there heavy doors that must be opened? Are there revolving doors?

Is the voting location and parking and drop off areas clearly marked?

Are there steps between parking and the voting location?

If there is a ramp, is it of appropriate grade?

Are there heavy doors that must be opened?

Are there revolving doors?

Community Solutions Pilot project in the Seven County Metro Multiple partners including MN Council of Non-Profits, Merrick Inc. and Target Driver recruitment entirely voluntary- 50+ volunteers in total Multiple ride options on Election Day including 6 fully accessible minivans A total of 242 rides given on Nov 4th Rides to the Polls

Pilot project in the Seven County Metro

Multiple partners including MN Council of Non-Profits, Merrick Inc. and Target

Driver recruitment entirely voluntary- 50+ volunteers in total

Multiple ride options on Election Day including 6 fully accessible minivans

A total of 242 rides given on Nov 4th

Community Solutions Selected Stories and Quotes: ‘ Thank you for you service today. I had a stroke and this way the only way I could vote.’ ‘ Accessible Service + Curbside voting + Respectful Help = One More Voice! A stronger Democracy’ ‘ Ming, originally from Shanghai, China and a new citizen. Due to his physical disability he was unable to get to his polling place independently. He called for a ride and was picked up by a volunteer driver at his senior citizen high rise and was excited to vote for the first time.’ Rides to the Polls

Selected Stories and Quotes:

‘ Thank you for you service today. I had a stroke and this way the only way I could vote.’

‘ Accessible Service + Curbside voting + Respectful Help = One More Voice! A stronger Democracy’

‘ Ming, originally from Shanghai, China and a new citizen. Due to his physical disability he was unable to get to his polling place independently. He called for a ride and was picked up by a volunteer driver at his senior citizen high rise and was excited to vote for the first time.’

Innovative Solutions The Australian Electoral Commission has mobile polling teams that take portable polling places to many eligible voters who are not able to get to a polling place. Mobile polling is carried out around Australia during the 12 days before election day and on election day. Mobile Polling Teams

The Australian Electoral Commission has mobile polling teams that take portable polling places to many eligible voters who are not able to get to a polling place.

Mobile polling is carried out around Australia during the 12 days before election day and on election day.

Innovative Solutions Mobile polling teams visited hospitals and nursing homes to enable patients and residents to cast their vote. In 2004 2,107 hospitals and nursing homes around Australia were visited by a total of 445 mobile polling teams in the days leading up to and including election day. Mobile Polling Teams

Mobile polling teams visited hospitals and nursing homes to enable patients and residents to cast their vote.

In 2004 2,107 hospitals and nursing homes around Australia were visited by a total of 445 mobile polling teams in the days leading up to and including election day.

Innovative Solutions The AEC used road, air and sea transport to visit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their outstations, pastoral properties, small towns, tourist resorts and mine sites 43 mobile polling teams visited 382 remote locations in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland Mobile Polling Teams

The AEC used road, air and sea transport to visit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their outstations, pastoral properties, small towns, tourist resorts and mine sites

43 mobile polling teams visited 382 remote locations in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland

Summary Access to the polls is still a major issue for individuals with disabilities Action at the community and state level needs to take place An examination of the organizational set up of elections needs to occur

Access to the polls is still a major issue for individuals with disabilities

Action at the community and state level needs to take place

An examination of the organizational set up of elections needs to occur

Thank You Courage Center www.couragecenter.org Nancy Flinn & Christian Knights

Courage Center

www.couragecenter.org

Nancy Flinn & Christian Knights