As the Presidential election approaches, and local, state and national candidates begin their campaigns, voters with special needs are beginning a campaign of their own. The Arc of the U.S. has launched its "We've Got the Power" initiative to encourage people with special needs to participate in the political process.

One facet of the program is promoting voter registration. The right of disabled people to vote is well-established in national and international law. The 2002 Help America Vote Act provides that each voting site much have an accessible booth where voters with disabilities can cast their ballots independently and privately. In addition, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has stated that member nations must ensure that persons with disabilities are able to vote and be elected to public office. 

In short, unless a Judge has declared a person to be ineligible to vote due to incapacity, imprisonment or a felony conviction, every citizen age 18 or older has the right to vote, regardless of disability. However, despite the clear legal mandate, voters with special needs still face barriers. 

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