California’s Mail Ballot System Excludes Disabled Voters, Court Rules
A federal court struck down a California rule that required voters to sign and return vote-by-mail ballots on paper, rather than doing so electronically. The ruling in California Council of the Blind v. Weber, announced October 3, is a victory for disabled voters—but it probably won’t change things much until the next election cycle. Since […]
A federal court has ruled that California's requirement for disabled voters to print, sign, seal, and return their mail-in ballots via non-electronic means discriminates against them. The case, California Council of the Blind v. Weber, was decided on October 3. Since 2021, California has sent mail-in ballots to all registered voters for all elections.
Disabled voters with print disabilities have been able to request an electronic voting option. However, this option requires printing, which poses significant challenges for blind or low-vision individuals who may not have access to printers. Christopher Gray, a blind resident of San Francisco County, is one such plaintiff who argues that he cannot vote independently without assistance, thus losing his right to vote privately and confidentially.
The court ruled that the current system excludes some disabled voters from meaningful access to the mail-in voting program. However, the court did not specify a solution, and California has until October 19 to propose a new method. As of now, California's mail-in ballots have already been mailed out, so any changes will likely not take effect until the next election cycle.
The ruling does not apply to other states, but 32 states allow for electronic return of absentee ballots for certain voters, including those with disabilities.
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