Voting Can Be Difficult for People with Arthritis

It's a privilege to be able to vote. Unfortunately, people with arthritis and other disabilities can have problems exercising their right to vote. Physical limitations, especially mobility problems, can interfere with the voting process. Depending on where you live, you may have punch cards, levers, or voting machines. Each of those methods can present problems if you have arthritis of the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder. If you have difficulty walking or if you use a wheelchair or electric scooter, accessibility at the place where you are supposed to vote may be an issue.

According to a report from the Arthritis Foundation, 20,000 polling places across the country do not meet minimum accessibility standards and a poll from 2004 revealed that 20 percent of people with disabilities who wanted to vote were unable to vote. Reasons ranged from the building being inaccessible to not being allowed to have someone help. Some said their mental and physical capability was questioned. Consider other voting options before you forego your right to vote - absentee ballots, early voting, or online voting. Check with your Secretary of State's office through your state's website for more information on these options.

According to Robert Longley, About.com Guide to U.S. Gov Info / Resources, "Federal law requires that polling places be accessible to persons with disabilities. But if you want to make sure you will be able to vote, it is best to call your local election office before election day. Inform them of your disability and that you will need an accessible polling place." Learn more from Election Day Guide: Questions and Answers.

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