A new voting system in Los Angeles County will be introduced in 2020. This new system will provide significantly increased access for individuals with disabilities. Changes will include accessible voting booths, the freedom to choose voting location, and more days to vote.

The SCV Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities encourages and supports education that can lead to increased employment opportunities. Exercising the right to vote is a way of participating in decisions on access to employment and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. With the coming changes, education for the disability community will be paramount to ensure that all people have the information they need to exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard.

In collaboration with Los Angeles County, Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP) worked closely with advisory groups and conducted surveys with community members to develop a new voting system designed for all voters to use. Historically voters visit an assigned polling place on election day (one calendar day). The new system will increase days to vote and by-mail and in-person options. According to the VSAP website, the changes will include:

  • New human-centered voting booths with a simple interface that includes both audio and visual output and easy-to-read buttons.
  • Vote centers will replace polling places with the freedom to choose from any location and designed for accessibility.
  • 11 days to vote instead of the prior 1-day window.
  • Electronic rosters that can be scanned, updated in real time, and allow for same-day registration.

Those opting to vote by mail will also notice changes. Voters will be able to drop their ballot in the mail or utilize on of 150 Vote by Mail Drop Box Locations County-wide. The option to use these drop boxes will be available for 29 days.

These upcoming changes address the needs of the entire community. For more information on these innovative new voting changes, you can visit the Voting Solutions for All People website or view the VSAP video gallery. We encourage all members of the disability community (service providers, self-advocates, parents, family members) to begin to share these changes with everyone in order for all disability community advocates to be ready to exercise their right to vote in 2020.

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Mayor’s Committee Member Michelle Heid, MA, BCBA
Director, Advanced Behavioral Pathways, LLC