Disabled Voting Power

As the U.S. approaches the 2026 midterms and the pivotal 2028 presidential election, the disabled community emerges unmistakably as a decisive political force. With over 40 million eligible voters, this demographic can tip the scales in crucial elections, especially in battleground states where victory margins are notoriously slim. Yet, many political campaigns still neglect this potent electorate, failing to address systemic barriers hindering their democratic participation.

A Growing Political Powerhouse

According to the Rutgers Program for Disability Research, the number of eligible disabled voters has surged by 5.1% since 2020, now surpassing both Hispanic/Latino and Black voting populations. In swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, disabled voters alone outnumbered previous election victory margins. Mobilizing this community could profoundly alter Congress and presidential election outcomes.

In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout among individuals with disabilities increased by 6 percentage points, narrowing the historic gap between disabled and non-disabled voters. "This growing engagement signals an awakening," says Terry Loerch, a leading disability advocate and expert. "Disabled individuals recognize their collective power, which transcends race, culture, and gender—disability is a universal human condition that touches everyone, directly or indirectly."

Midterms 2026, A Crucial Test for Disabled Voters

With all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats contested in the 2026 midterms, disabled voters may very well hold the keys to legislative power. Yet, voter suppression efforts disproportionately targeting this demographic continue to escalate. Restrictive voter ID laws, limited mail-in voting, and reduced early voting periods present significant hurdles. A recent law in Louisiana criminalizing assistance for multiple absentee voters is already facing legal pushback from disability advocacy groups (democracydocket.com).

Organizations such as the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Easterseals are intensifying their efforts to dismantle these barriers. Loerch emphasizes, "We cannot underestimate the importance of protecting and expanding voting rights. Politicians who continue to ignore the disabled community do so at their peril, as we become an increasingly influential political force."

2028 Presidential Election: A Historic Opportunity

The upcoming 2028 presidential election represents a potential watershed moment. With younger voters comprising a growing share of the electorate and the continued expansion of the disabled voter demographic, candidates who engage authentically with this community could secure decisive electoral advantages.

Key priorities for disabled voters include:

• Healthcare: Expansion of Medicaid, improved mental health services, and accessible home care.

• Disability Rights: Strengthening ADA protections, ensuring workplace accommodations, and advocating for accessible technology.

• Voting Accessibility: Protection of mail-in voting, ADA-compliant polling stations, and ballot assistance.

• Economic Security: Raising income limits for SSDI/SSI recipients and guaranteeing equitable wages for disabled workers.

Terry Loerch lived experience underscores these issues' urgency. His personal journey is extraordinary, marked by resilience through immense adversity. Having navigated disability, extensive medical challenges, and even domestic violence, Loerch remains tirelessly committed to advocacy. "Every person with a disability, myself included, carries a story of resilience," Loerch explains. "It’s this common thread of overcoming barriers that unites us as voters and activists. Politicians who authentically engage with these stories will not only earn our votes but also gain powerful allies."

The Future of the Disability Vote

The disabled community is no longer sidelined politically, it is becoming a robust and influential electorate capable of reshaping elections from local to federal levels. Achieving genuine political inclusion, however, demands concerted efforts to:

• Defend and expand voting rights protections.

• Ensure comprehensive ADA compliance across all polling locations.

• Extend mail-in and early voting provisions for voters with mobility or health-related challenges.

• Mandate direct political engagement with disability-related issues in campaign strategies.

As the 2026 midterms and the historic 2028 presidential election approach, a pressing question remains: Will political candidates finally acknowledge and harness the burgeoning political power of disabled voters, or will they continue neglecting one of America's largest and most diverse voter groups?

"The disabled community's potential to shape political outcomes is undeniable," says Loerch, smiling despite his own daily struggles. "It's time for the political world to truly open its eyes and engage meaningfully. Our votes and voices will decide elections, and ignoring us is no longer an option."

Terry Loerch