More people with disabilities voting in this election nationwide

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The presidential election has seen a high turnout for voters with disabilities, despite COVID-19 concerns. That’s according to a new survey from Easterseals.

The survey finds 89% of people with disabilities are registered to vote, 15.9 million or about 47% of them already have cast their ballots. The survey finds the driving factor is healthcare and COVID-19 concerns.

Jeremy Warriner is a Marion County vote, who is in a wheelchair. He was in a crash that caused him to be trapped in a burning vehicle, he suffered fourth-degree burns and both of his legs had to be amputated.

He said the outcome of this election could impact his ability to get new prosthetics, wheelchairs and ramps which wear out over time. He also has several new expenses due to the crash.

Warriner said for him, this election just feels more important than past elections.

“If the Affordable Care Act is repealed and insurance companies are again allowed to discriminate based upon pre-existing conditions, everything related to the loss of my legs which was caused by another driver behind the wheel of another car can be considered a pre-existing condition for me,” said Warriner.

Easterseals President and CEO David Dreith said despite coronavirus concerns, people with disabilities are still choosing to vote in-person.

“It is important enough for people to overcome those barriers, they do want to show up, they want to physically participate they want to be counted,” said Dreith.

Attorneys with Indiana Disability Rights will be on stand by to help voters. They can answer questions and take complaints about any issues that may happen for people with disabilities during the voting process.

The hotline will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can call 800-622-4845 for help.