Washington, D.C. – Congresswomen Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced a package of legislation to make American democracy more accessible for people with disabilities. Three bills will address accessibility issues in registering to vote, getting to the polls, running for public office, and serving in local government.
The Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act would ensure people with disabilities do not lose their crucial, life-sustaining federal disability benefits when they campaign for elected office. Specifically, the bill would clarify to federal agencies administering disability benefits that campaigning for an elected office does not disqualify a person from receiving disability benefits.
The AID (Accessibility and Inclusion to Diversify) Local Government Leadership Act would provide local governments with an ongoing accommodations fund to ensure current and future elected officials with disabilities have access to needed accommodations to perform their duties. Eligible communities include those that are rural communities, have a population of less than 10,000 people or are communities with a population between 10,000 and 200,000 with a federal poverty rate of 18 percent or higher.
The Accessible Voting Act, also co-led by Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08), would support state and local efforts to improve voter accessibility and remove barriers to voting. Specifically, the bill would establish new programs for ensuring voting accessibility, including creating a national resource center on accessible voting and expanding the number of options for casting a ballot in federal elections.
“The ability to fully participate in our democracy is central to our American ideals—yet too often people with disabilities face unnecessary barriers to voting and public service,” Rep. Dean said. “This package of legislation will help ensure accessibility in registering to vote, getting to the polls, running for office, and serving in local government. By breaking down these barriers, our communities can be better represented by every voice. I'm thankful to partner with Congresswoman Scanlon to pass these important bills.”
“Full participation in government is the bedrock of our democracy, but too often, Americans with disabilities face unnecessary barriers to accessing the ballot box, running for office, and serving in local government,” Rep. Scanlon said. “I'm proud to join Reps. Dean and Raskin in introducing this suite of legislation to support people with disabilities, including many seniors and veterans, by addressing systemic inaccessibility across all aspects of civic life.”
“American democracy works best when all citizens can participate and vote, no matter where they’re from, what language they speak or whether they live with a disability,” Rep. Raskin said. “Our Accessible Voting Act strengthens access to the ballot box and addresses a wide range of systemic deficiencies, so no eligible voter is left alone to overcome barriers to casting a ballot.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
###
