In 2016, there were more than 16 million voters with disabilities participating in the general election.
Navigating the Iowa caucuses as a voter with disabilities
Emmanuel Smith, an advocate for Americans living with disabilities in Des Moines, Iowa, says caucuses can be discouraging for people with disabilities and even those who work evenings shifts.Smith added that there are concerns about people with all kinds of physical, mental and emotional disabilities being disillusioned and discouraged by the caucus process.
Emmanuel Smith, an advocate for Americans living with disabilities in Des Moines, Iowa, says caucuses can be discouraging for people with disabilities and even those who work evenings shifts."If it's true that most Iowans value our first-in-the nation status over inclusion, then we don't deserve to be first anyway," Smith told ABC News during an interview in downtown Des Moines earlier this month.
The Iowa Democratic Party has made changes to bring in more voters. Voters can now bypass check-in lines on caucus night through a pre-registration process, request accommodations and attend caucuses at more convenient sites. After tough experiences caucusing in the past, Smith also pointed out that in addition to people with disabilities, those who work evening shifts or public-facing jobs may also be discouraged with the caucus process.
Last year, the national Democratic Party Committee halted plans in Iowa to launch an innovative"virtual caucus" that would have allowed people to participate remotely. While in college 15 years ago, Cassidy was accidentally shot in the neck by a friend when the two were looking at an antique handgun. The bullet hit an artery and caused a major spinal cord injury. Now, a quadriplegic, he requires at-home care, extensive nursing and support to get around town.
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