Voting is a profound way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to experience full inclusion in their communities. It empowers people to actively participate in shaping the policies that affect their daily lives, ensuring their voices are heard.  

Voting is a constitutional right for everyone. As the presidential election approaches on November 5, it’s important to remember that people with IDD deserve an equal opportunity to cast their vote. While physical and systematic barriers still exist, there are more ways than ever before for people with IDD to access the polls or vote remotely.  

People with IDD have the right to:

• vote in private without help
• bring someone to help them vote
• seek help from poll workers trained to use an accessible voting machine
• vote during the early voting period
• have an accessible polling place with machines for voters with disabilities
• vote by mail-in ballot or email ballot

Voting Is An Essential Part of Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is when people with IDD represent themselves, their ideas, and their own best interests to advocate for changes in their lives and their communities. The Arc’s self-advocacy group, Living Boldly, provides access to critical information so people with IDD can form their own ideas and opinions – and that includes opinions about elected leaders.

During the Living Boldly bi-annual meeting in September, guest speakers highlighted how voting is a fundamental responsibility of being a United States citizen and an essential part of living in a democracy where everyone’s voice matters. By voting, each person contributes to shaping the future of their community, state, and country.

For people with IDD, being able to vote is essential because decisions made by elected officials directly impact areas like healthcare, education, and accessibility. Voting gives each person the power to influence these critical issues and ensure the needs of people with IDD are considered when shaping future policies.

Making Your Voice Heard at the Polls

For people planning to vote, here are some key dates to keep in mind.

• October 24-October 31: Early voting period. Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. You can register to vote as long as you have proof of a Maryland address.
• November 1: Deadline to request an email ballot. Requests must be received by 5:00pm via mail, or by 11:59pm via fax or online.
• November 5: Election day. Polls are open 7:00am-8:00pm. You can register to vote as long as you have proof of a Maryland address.

You can find more information on how to vote at the Maryland State Board of Elections at www.elections.maryland.gov.