February 4, 2025
Nate Crippes / Public Affairs Supervising Attorney
ncrippes@disabilitylawcenter.org
Andrew Riggle / Public Policy Advocate
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
Good afternoon committee members. My name’s Nate Crippes. I’m the Disability Law Center’s public affairs supervising attorney.
The DLC’s voting education work involves meeting with voters and potential voters in communities across Utah. As a result of this and our 21-year history of evaluating the accessibility of polling places and drop boxes, we know requiring individuals to submit their ballot in-person with ID in hand will disproportionately impact senior citizens, disabled veterans, the blind community, those living in care facilities, and other passionate citizens for whom the bill’s requirements create a barrier to exercising their fundamental right.
Even though a voter can request to receive and return their ballot by mail, they must do so and show their ID in-person. This will be challenging for many voters with disabilities due to health conditions, lack of transportation, or because a family member or care staff holds their ID.
Voters visiting a drop box will likely encounter violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In fact, a 2022 DLC accessibility study of 291 ballot boxes found 63% of boxes inside a building DID NOT meet federal standards. It’s also safe to assume county clerks won’t require two poll workers to stand outside at ballot boxes during the election season. Boxes will be moved inside – where a majority won’t be accessible – particularly in rural Utah.
All voters with disabilities deserve the option of continuing to register, receive their ballot, and cast their vote from home. For these reasons, we urge you to oppose HB 300. Thank you for your time and considering our position.