Introduction
In a legislative push to eliminate inaccessible barriers to engage with politics, especially with the midterm elections taking place, several House Democrats have introduced pieces of legislation designed to expand federal protection over voting access and other governmental positions. These bills will affect millions of Americans with disabilities, elderly Americans, Native Americans, and other marginalized communities like those who have limited English proficiency.
What is the Accessible Voting Act of 2026 (AVA): H.R. 10700?
The Accessible Voting Act of 2026 includes three titles, each designed to streamline the process of voting. The bill was introduced on October 1, 2026 by Representative Mary Scanlon (PA), with co-sponsors Representative Jamie Raskin (MD), Representative Lateefah Simon (CA), and Representative Madeleine Dean (PA). The bill also helps to amend a previous act, Help America Vote Act of 2002.
Under Title I of this act, a new federal office would be established. Named the EAC Office of Accessibility, the head Director (with a 4 year term), would be able to advocate for voters with access needs across the United States. This gives them a voice they otherwise would not have had. Additionally, Title I also mandates that the U.S. federal government would also be required to create a national website that links voters to accessibility resources and easy to understand laws. With this website, voters would also be able to report accessibility complaints, if necessary.
Under Title II of this act, each state website would need to be fully compliant with Level AA WCAG 2.0 requirements, obtaining feedback from technical experts and other advocacy groups. This means that the websites aren’t just designed carelessly to pass inspection. States also must allow for electronic voting and accessible, in-person voting booths. To do this, states will receive $100 million every two years from 2027 to 2032. Title III authorizes $30 million for grants to develop new ballot technology and appoints more members to the EAC board.
.
Why Should YOU Care About the AVA?
The bill is critical to tackle many of the barriers that prevent voters from voting independently. Without it, millions of voices would be shut out, specifically those that may not have lived in very politically active spaces. It ensures that every person has a voice, no matter their background or circumstances. It may also set the precedent for new political advocacy since those who are now aware of these issues may begin to campaign there. Through modernizing the voting infrastructure, the bill has a spillover impact as well, helping many states upgrade its systems. This inadvertently improves the quality of life of millions of Americans as well, including you.
.
What is the Accessibility and Inclusion (AID) to Diversify Local Government Leadership Act: H.R. 10660?
The AID Local Government Leadership Act, introduced on October 1st, 2026 as well, by representative Madeleine Dean (PA) and co-sponsor Representative Mary Scanlon (PA), seeks to establish a grant to help governments provide accommodations for local elected officials with disabilities. The funding for the grant ranged from $3000 to $50,000. This can be used on renovations, interpreters, other tech, or transportation. To qualify, local governments must be located in a rural area, have a population under 10,000 or have a poverty rate of at least 18% for rural areas under 200,000.
.
Why Should YOU Care About H.R. 10660?
AID Local Government Leadership Act would help 1 in 4 U.S. adults participate in our democracy, strengthening it. Furthermore, being in a smaller town like Mountain Lakes, this could improve rural or small town municipal systems. This takes the stress off of taxpayers who would have had to pay taxes to raise money for these accessibility renovations. With this lasting infrastructure, more than just PWDs benefit.
0
0
