South Winston Salem News

The national nonprofit Disability Rights Advocates filed a lawsuit that alleges state practices are violating federal laws by not allowing blind or disabled North Carolina voters to cast a private ballot this year. 

Unless lawmakers make changes to this year's election, blind and disabled voters will have to cast their ballot with help this fall from home, Carolina Public Press reported on Aug. 10. This means their vote won't be private. 

The North Carolina Board of Elections had until Aug. 17 to respond to the lawsuit that was filed on July 27. The suit was filed with the Eastern District of North Carolina. 

“The absentee ballot in North Carolina is not accessible for persons who are blind,” Ricky Scott, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, told Carolina Public Press. “I’m a blind person and I wish to be able to use an absentee ballot to vote in the fall, just like everyone else. Because with this virus going on, you know, I did plan to vote, but I want to do it in a safe way.”

The group filed the lawsuit, claiming the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act are being violated by state practices. Under these laws, the state is required to provide vote-by-mail options that are accessible to those who are blind or with a disability, which the state currently isn't doing. 

In response to a letter from Disability Rights Advocates sent in June, the Board of Elections said on July 24 "The State Board is committed to promoting accessibility for voters with disability, including blind voters,” Carolina Public Press reported.