Voting Rights of People with Psychiatric Disabilities: What You Need to Know for the Upcoming Election

Jennifer Mathis, J.D., Deputy Legal Director & Director of Policy & Legal Advocacy, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

This workshop will discuss the ways in which many people with psychiatric disabilities have been disenfranchised, and legal strategies that can be used to try to prevent this disenfranchisement and/or restore people's right to vote. People with psychiatric disabilities may lose the opportunity to exercise their right to vote as a result of state voter qualification standards or of the actions of election officials and/or service providers. In addition to knowing their rights under federal and state laws, people with psychiatric disabilities and advocates can take some practical steps to try to protect their right to vote.