The American Democracy Minute for October 12, 2022
Today’s Links
Articles:
National Conference of State Legislatures – Ballot Collection Laws by State
Ballotpedia – Ballot Collection laws by state
FiveThirtyEight.com – Has Your State Made It Harder To Vote?
Washington Post – After Wis. Supreme Court absentee ballot decision, disabled people sue
Groups Taking Action:
AARP, Disability Rights Wisonsin, Disability Rights Center NH, National Disability Rights Network
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
In the last few days, millions of Americans have started voting early in person or by mail. Some elderly, disabled and working people may need help in returning their ballot, but in some states, there are restrictive rules about who can return it if you need assistance.
Typically, an elder or disabled voter depends on a family member to get a ballot returned by mail or dropped off to an election office. In Alabama, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, only the voter can return a ballot, with few exceptions. For the mobility disabled, this can be a significant barrier, whether walking to the postal box, or delivering it to an election office.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 31 states allow some kind of “designated delivery agent.” In ten states like Arizona, Connecticut, and Kentucky, family members or caregivers are allowed to deliver ballots. In Oklahoma, only a spouse, and in Texas and New Hampshire, only certain family members.
Sixteen states, like Nevada, Kansas, and Florida allow the voter to designate a person, such as a neighbor or church member, to deliver a ballot. In general, dropping a ballot off at an election office may require the delivery agent to show ID and possibly fill out a form. These rules vary widely by state, so it is best to check with your local election office for details.
For a list of general rules by state, visit AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.
For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl.