Voting is a fundamental right, but many Americans with disabilities continue to face barriers. James Argentino and Julio Mungia, who both have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), are breaking down those barriers. This November, they'll cast their votes, a big step toward truly being recognized as part of their communities.

“I didn’t know I could vote in the past, but I am happy I get to this year,” said Argentino. “I have the right to vote like everyone else and staff is helping me understand how I can do it.” 

“The world is bad right now and we need to do better,” said Mangia after hearing discussions about some key issues that were tackled in the last presidential debate. “I want the candidates to care about our community.”

Argentino, 45, is a first-time voter, and this will be the first time Mungia, 58, is voting in a presidential election. Both men live at a YAI home in midtown Manhattan and recently reached a major goal of getting their New York State IDs and opening bank accounts. Once they realized their IDs let them vote, they quickly wanted to learn more about the process. 

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“Most of the time throughout the day we are making decisions for the people we support, even though they have a say, we are ensuring their health and safety first,” said Tianna Mendoza-Holmes, program supervisor at Argentino and Mungia’s residence. “But in a situation like this where they get to exercise their rights, it’s solely about what do they want, not what staff says...I tell them ‘It’s your choice, it’s your vote...’ it’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of something that could make a difference.”

Millions more Americans with disabilities will be eligible to vote in November, according to a new report from Rutgers University. The number of eligible voters is projected to reach 40.2 million, a 5.1% increase since 2020. This includes 14.4 million eligible voters with cognitive impairments—a group that is expected to continue to grow as medical and technological advances help increase life expectancies for this population.

Despite increased voter turnout, people with disabilities still face significant barriers that block their right to vote. These challenges include inaccessible polling places, laws that criminalize voter assistance, limited accessible transportation options, restrictive guardianship laws, and ableism across the political process, preventing them from accessing their right to vote.

“People with disabilities already face barriers to voting before factoring in laws and rules that make it harder for all of us to vote,” said Scott Karolidis, YAI’s Director of Government Relations. “We must continue to advocate for greater accessibility and fewer barriers to voting for all...YAI employees work with the people we support to put together voting plans in advance. That way the voting process can happen as seamlessly as possible.”

Staff at Argentino and Mungia’s home are educating them about the voting process and explaining why their vote matters. 

“Once they expressed interest about the election, we knew it was important to give them the resources,” said Mendoza-Holmes. “We’ve been showing them the presidential debates on YouTube and have handed out printouts with simple voting and election facts they can understand.”

Other residents at the home will also be joining their two housemates at the polls on election day to show their support. 

Kevin Francis, a 43-year-old YAI self advocate from the Bronx, is a longtime voter who is also eager to get to cast his vote this year. He’s voted in every election since he was 18 and credits YAI staff for prepping him. Staff have been practicing filling out the ballot with him and he’s done his own research about each candidate online so he can make an informed decision.

“I want the candidates to care about human rights and be good for the country,” Francis said. “I want them to talk about making things better for the homeless, our communities and families, and for people with disabilities."

Elections, both national and local, directly impact the lives of people with I/DD and the support staff who care for them. 

“Politicians every year make decisions about how much funding our programs receive, about the wages that direct support professionals are paid, and about the services that people with I/DD are entitled to,” said Karolidis. “We must empower people with I/DD to show up to the ballot box so they can choose who is making those decisions.”