Talking about election deadlines and voter registration at work isn’t taboo or career-damaging—it’s smart business. Sharing resources like voting locations, registration deadlines, and tools to assist disabled and neurodivergent colleagues can foster a sense of community and civic engagement. It’s not charity—it’s a way to ensure everyone, including those who may face unique challenges, can participate fully in society.
Why Disability Voting Rights Matter Now
This past week marked Disability Voting Rights Week. It might have gone unnoticed by some, but it’s a critical event for many. As someone with ADHD, I feel compelled to bring this to the forefront. If you aren’t currently disabled, you may become so at some point in your life. Statistically, there’s also a significant chance you could become a caregiver. This makes accessibility and accommodations a universal concern. For those of us with learning differences or chronic illnesses, it’s often difficult to feel integrated into the workplace. We tend to stay silent about our challenges, as disabilities are frequently misunderstood or met with bias.
Yet, civic events like elections provide the perfect opportunity to engage colleagues on topics of accessibility in a way that’s both practical and meaningful. Unlike more traditional inclusion or diversity training sessions, which may seem abstract, encouraging voter participation has a direct and tangible impact.
Supporting Neurodiverse Talent
Jacob Lewis, a photographer who identifies as autistic, shares his perspective: “I’ve lived in several states since graduating college. The voting laws are different in each one, and I always feel unprepared. My autism makes me anxious about getting everything right. I plan out my taxes the moment I finish the previous year’s—voting feels the same way. I’d really appreciate some guidance.”
Everyone processes the world differently, and the workplace should reflect this. Offering resources, such as voter registration assistance, is one small way to accommodate neurodiverse employees. When companies actively help their workforce, word spreads. It builds a reputation for valuing employee needs. As one popular Instagram post put it: “Best day at work? When HR reminded me of our state’s voter registration deadline. Love that.”
Investing in Community Engagement
Voting initiatives don’t happen without effort. They require resources and time, but the return on investment is substantial. As Kristin Britton, an expert in disability policy, puts it: “The more information we share, the more empowered we all become.”
Research from 2024 underscores the value of reducing barriers to engagement. Building relationships with community stakeholders strengthens businesses, fosters employee morale, and establishes companies as leaders in their communities. This is outlined in The Business Guide to Civic Engagement, which emphasizes that businesses thrive when they are connected to the communities they serve.
Opportunities for Business in Elections
A Rutgers analysis of the 2022 midterms revealed that 14% of voters with disabilities faced challenges in casting their ballots. That equates to 2.2 million people encountering barriers to voting. Elections present an opportunity for businesses to address these gaps. Denise Resnik, founder of First Place Global Leadership Institute, emphasizes how businesses can engage with local communities and state offices to support voters with disabilities. Engaging with these communities not only helps them vote but also builds lasting relationships with local policymakers.
Building Trust Through Voter Education
There’s a solid business case for educating employees about their voting rights. “There’s absolutely a nonpolitical way to promote voting in the workplace,” says Marlene Sallo, executive director of the National Disability Rights Coalition. She highlights the Accessible Voting Act of 2024, which would establish an Office of Accessibility within the Election Assistance Commission. This office would advocate for voters with disabilities, ensuring their right to vote without barriers.
More people with disabilities cast their votes in the 2020 election than in previous years, but a gap still exists. Employers can bridge that gap by engaging disabled workers and soliciting their input on voter accommodations. As Sallo points out, seemingly minor issues like voting tables that are too low for wheelchair users or poll workers unfamiliar with disability accommodations are often overlooked.
Providing Accessible Voting Resources
Employers should go beyond the basics and ensure they offer resources that are relevant to all employees, including those working remotely or across state lines. Voter laws differ between states, so providing comprehensive information is crucial.
Here are a few nonpartisan resources to get started:
VoteRiders: Helps employees understand voter ID laws by state.
When We All Vote: Lists state-specific voter registration deadlines and holds educational events.
Rock the Vote: A resource for absentee ballot requests.
The Arc: Offers a downloadable, plain-language voter guide.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusion
A 2023 Culture 500 study of large companies found that workers who felt disrespected or unaccommodated were more likely to leave. Flexibility and accommodations are essential for retaining talent, particularly for employees who are caregivers or live with chronic illness. For many, staying silent about their needs stems from feeling undervalued. However, by creating a workplace that actively supports accessibility—whether through voting resources or everyday accommodations—businesses can build trust and engagement among their employees.
Leading by Example
Denise Resnik’s son, Matt, inspired her to launch Vote the Spectrum, an initiative that encourages adults with autism and intellectual disabilities to vote. The program, which launched in 2023, partners with local disability organizations and voter advocacy groups to host nonpartisan mock elections and other events. This hands-on approach helps build confidence among neurodivergent voters, making the voting process more accessible and less intimidating.
A Win-Win for Businesses
The last decade has seen a shift in how disability rights are addressed in the workplace. Employers are realizing that many of their employees are caregivers, neurodivergent, or living with chronic illnesses. Engaging in issues like accessible voting builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to inclusion.
If you’re unsure how to get started, consider partnering with local disability organizations or government agencies. They can provide ready-made resources, so you won’t need to create new materials from scratch. Ultimately, it’s about taking action—ensuring that everyone has a voice.
Conclusion
Discussing voting resources and supporting accessibility isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Encouraging voter engagement, particularly among disabled and neurodivergent employees, fosters a sense of community and inclusion. It shows employees that their voices matter, both in the workplace and in civic life. By investing in accessible voting initiatives, companies create a culture of engagement that benefits everyone.
