Where Access and Voting Count
Access the Vote Florida’s (ATVFL) mission is to increase political participation of disability communities while also engaging candidates and the media on disability issues.
Position Statement
Even though voting is considered one of our most basic rights, voters with disabilities can often find casting a ballot challenging.
The Issues
1. Remote Accessible Vote by mail Ballot Return
2. Lack of transportation to polls during Early voting and Election Day
3. Meaningful engagement in all aspects of legislative process with local and state officials.
According to the EAC’s Disability and Voting Accessibility in the 2020 Elections study, returning the ballot was the second most reported barrier for voters with disabilities during the vote by mail process. Returning the ballot by mail or in person can present barriers to individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities. Though Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail has been in use in Florida since 2020, and allows voters with disabilities to complete their ballot at home with their own technology, lack of an electronic return option presents barriers to voters with sensory disabilities or fine motor coordination disabilities. Additionally, Florida requires voters to sign mailed ballot envelopes to confirm their identity. Signature matching can disproportionately result in rejections for nonmatching signatures of voters who are visually challenged, low vision or have limited dexterity.
Individuals with disabilities disproportionately rely on various public transportation modes to participate in their communities, including in exercising the right to vote. Transit providers are positioned to reduce some of the obstacles transportation disadvantaged population face, but there is more work to be done.
Some legislative areas remain physically inaccessible and lack universal design, legislative technology platforms are often inaccessible and unclear, and legislative activities can lack clear accommodation and complaint process. All of which compounds to make the legislative process inaccessible to those with disabilities.
Recommendations
Remote Accessible Vote-By -Mail Return, which would allow voters to return their ballot electronically. This technology exists and is already used in 11 states. Additionally, variations on electronic return have been successfully utilized for decades by military and overseas voters.


The use of Special Needs shelter registries in all 67 counties to add an option for transportation to poll sites for in-person voting for individuals who are considered transportation disadvantaged. Additional solutions could be: Fare-free election days, temporary service changes/extended service hours, maps and wayfinding assistance in accessible formats, and direct coordination with election authorities.
Provide effective communication and ADA services, support, and accommodations trainings for all legislators and legislative staff. Improved signage and directions, using a Universal Design model with designated and easily identifiable state/house “hosts” throughout the building.

ATVFL Coalition Goals for 2025
Goal 1:
Educate and inform youth with disabilities about voting and accessibility rights throughout the voting process
Goal 2:
Increase ATVFL Coalition Membership
Objective- Outreach to transitional age youth in high school and college universities.
- Objective- Social media presence needs to increase by using all platforms.
- Update website to reflect on coalition
- Create QR code to dispense information
- Develop videos and podcasting
Goal 3:
Supervisor of Elections involvement in activities and events within members communities.
Goal 2:
Educate get the vote out workers about disability voting.
Research events and find ways to be engaged.