Voting is a fundamental right and an essential part of full participation in community life. For people with disabilities, the right to vote privately and independently is protected under federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as Massachusetts election law.
However, new federal proposals and ongoing changes to voting policies across the country are raising concerns about whether voting will remain truly accessible. One of the most significant and concerning proposals is the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Massachusetts has made important progress in expanding voting access in recent years, including permanent vote-by-mail, early voting, and requirements for accessible polling locations. However, federal policy changes can still affect voters in Massachusetts by introducing new requirements that would make it harder to cast a ballot.
