For Immediate Release: June 29, 2026
Contact: Naomi Hess, communications@aapd.com; 202-873-4011
WASHINGTON, DC – On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in RNC v. Watson upholding the right of states to count mail-in ballots received in the days following Election Day. AAPD was proud to join the ACLU, League of Women Voters, and Disability Rights Mississippi in an amicus brief in support of preserving these state protections, recognizing the critical role vote by mail plays in ensuring disabled voters can cast a ballot accessibly.
This decision affirms that every vote matters and that no voter should be disenfranchised by slow mail service, a factor outside of their control.
Fourteen states, in addition to Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., have grace periods ranging from 3-14 days for counting ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day but arrive afterward. Many other states allow for a grace period for military and overseas voters.
There are an estimated 40.2 million eligible voters with disabilities in the U.S., representing nearly one-sixth of the total eligible voting population. Disabled voters are more likely to experience barriers to voting, such as inaccessible polling places, lack of reliable accessible transportation, restrictions on voter assistance, and more.
As a result of these barriers, people with disabilities vote by mail at higher rates than people without disabilities, and for many, it is their only option to cast a ballot. In an analysis of the 2024 election, over 60% of voters whose disabilities significantly affect daily activities said their disability influenced their decision to vote by mail. This means that policies that restrict mailed ballots disproportionately burden disabled voters.
“AAPD is extremely relieved to see the Supreme Court uphold state protections for vote by mail. This decision recognizes what we know to be true – our democracy is strongest when every voter can choose the method of voting that works best for them to successfully cast their ballot. Today’s ruling preserves important protections for voters with disabilities, older voters, rural voters, and so many other Americans who rely on absentee voting,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of AAPD.
“This decision reminds disabled voters of their value and of their power. I hope all eligible disabled voters will use today’s decision as motivation to check their voter registration status and make a plan to vote,” Town continued.
AAPD will continue working to protect accessible voting options so that every disabled voter can participate in our democracy.
Get Involved
Join our REV UP Campaign to make our democracy accessible and increase civic engagement in the disability community. REV UP stands for “Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!” Subscribe to REV UPdates or join a state or national call.
Join us for Disability Voting Rights Week from September 14-18, 2026 to advocate for accessibility, educate policymakers, and mobilize voters across the country. Sign up to be a partner and get access to our toolkit here.
REV UP has coalitions in 22 states that work year-round to ensure disabled people have access to the ballot. Find our full list of coalitions here and email revup@aapd.com if you need support getting connected.