Blake Moore: “My amendment simply requires an ongoing evaluation after every Federal election of the efforts to ensure that those with…”

“My amendment simply requires an ongoing evaluation after every Federal election of the efforts to ensure that those with disabilities have successfully been able to exercise their right to vote. The Government Accountability Office would be charged with assessing polling place accessibility, privacy issues, and the extent of poll worker training on the rights of individuals with disabilities, as well as on accessible voting machines, among other identified barriers. They would provide their recommendations, if any, to Congress. I recently had a constituent come into my office and speak about the continued challenges faced by those with disabilities when it comes to exercising this fundamental right, such as inaccessible voting machines that were located and situated as to not provide privacy for the voter. And this is not just an anecdotal evidence of the problem. According to the National Council on Independent Living, over 2 million people with disabilities didn't vote in 2016, and this isn't just an issue of voter apathy. Study after study shows that our voting system is still inaccessible. What we know is that, even with laws in place, not all polling places are accessible because of physical barriers, unprepared and untrained staff, or accessible equipment that is either not functional or turned off. Let me be clear: This bill takes steps forward to address those barriers, and I appreciate the addition of those measures.…”