Voting Accessibility in Kansas City: Making Democracy Work for Everyone
As we step into a significant election season, the citizens of Kansas City are reminded of the importance of exercising their voting rights. On November 5, voters will head to the polls to make their voices heard. But what if you find it a bit challenging to visit your local polling place? Worry not! There are numerous resources available to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in our democracy, particularly for those facing disabilities or health issues.
A Smooth Way to Vote from Home
If you have a disability or are unable to get to the polls due to age or health reasons, you may qualify for the Kansas City Election Board’s permanent absentee voting program. This is a super-simple process! All you need to do is confirm that you consider yourself permanently disabled; no doctor’s note is required. Once you’re signed up, you’ll automatically receive an absentee ballot application for every election. However, remember that you’ll have to fill out and return the application to receive your ballot in the mail.
An important thing to note is that, if you are a one-time absentee voter, you typically need to get your ballot notarized before sending it back, but as a permanently disabled voter, you won’t have this added requirement. This is designed to make your voting experience as convenient as possible from the comfort of your home.
To apply for this program, just hop on over to the Kansas City Election Board’s website, kceb.org, and print out a brief application form. Once completed, mail it to:
Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners Attn: Absentee Department 4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64130
Accessible Polling Locations
If you’re able to get out to the polls, but have concerns about accessibility, you’re in luck! The Whole Person at 3710 Main St. is an ADA-compliant polling location that offers resources to assist individuals with various disabilities. This polling place is equipped with special equipment such as a ballot-marking machine that works with different assistive devices like adaptive clickers and even breath-powered devices!
The facility also has a Braille keyboard and a headphone jack, allowing visually impaired voters to listen to their ballot being read aloud. For those worried about privacy, you can even darken the screen while casting your vote.
Curbside Voting Available
If you can manage to get a ride to the polling place but are worried about getting inside, curbside voting is an option! The staff at the Whole Person location will come to your vehicle to assist you in casting your ballot. Keep in mind that there may be a bit of a wait since two election judges need to be present to help you vote. If you can, arrive during quieter times, like midday, to ease the wait.
Last-Minute Mobile Voting Teams
Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you might find that you can’t make it to the polls right before Election Day. This can happen for a variety of reasons, like getting sick or facing a last-minute injury. But don’t worry! The Kansas City Election Board has a mobile voting program designed to help folks in this very situation.
When it’s too late to request a ballot by mail, a team of two volunteers—one from each major political party—will come to your home, a hospital, or even a nursing home to deliver a ballot directly to you. They’ll ensure your completed ballot gets back to the election office securely and counted.
In most cases, if you get your request in two weeks before the election, it will be processed by mail. However, if you find yourself in a last-minute pinch, just give the Election Board a call. They are trained to handle emergencies where voting is concerned.
Need More Help?
If you have any more questions or need assistance with the voting process, the Kansas City Election Board encourages you to reach out by calling 816-842-4820 or email them at kceb@kceb.org. Your voice matters, and they’re here to help you navigate your options to make sure your vote counts!
This Democracy Day, let’s celebrate our rights, get informed and do our part to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in shaping our future. Together, we can strengthen our democracy for all.
