Residents in Care Facilities Face Voting Challenges During COVID-19
Pandemic Complicates the Voting Process for Seniors
During the 2020 general election, elderly residents in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities encountered increased difficulty casting their ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tasks such as voter registration, requesting to vote online or by mail, receiving a mail-in ballot, using a computer, and ultimately submitting the completed ballot can be overwhelming for many seniors.
Family Assistance Still Limited
While restrictions on outside visitation have eased somewhat, the multi-step nature of voting continues to make it hard for family members to assist their loved ones. Confusion is also heightened by uncertainty around the fairness or security of voting in person, online, or by mail.
Polling Stations Removed from Facilities
In previous elections, many senior living facilities served as polling locations, with voting booths set up in lobbies or community rooms. But in 2020, concerns over virus transmission led many facilities to cancel in-person voting to protect their vulnerable populations. As a result, each resident is left to decide how best to ensure their vote is counted.
Residents Speak Out About Their Concerns
Janice Phillips, president of her facility’s resident council, has used absentee ballots for years due to mobility challenges. She notes that the pandemic has made voting even harder:
“We’re basically not allowed to go out in public right now, we’re more vulnerable, and our immune systems are compromised anyhow. We’re basically locked in.”
Facility Staff and Leaders Step Up
Across the country, resident leaders like Janice are working with activity staff to help residents register to vote. For many older Americans, voting in every election since turning 18 is a point of pride. This group consistently turns out to vote, making them a key demographic for both political parties.
Senior Voters Are a Powerful Demographic
AARP reports that 71% of Americans aged 65 and older voted in the 2016 presidential election, compared to just 46% of those aged 18–29. Recognizing this, many states expanded absentee and early voting options during the pandemic to protect senior voters. AARP Maine has published state-by-state guidelines to help seniors register and vote in the 2020 general election.
Ballot Completion Still Requires Assistance
Even after receiving their mail-in ballots, many seniors still need help from family or facility staff to complete and submit them correctly. It’s important that those assisting understand how to do so without influencing the resident’s vote, while also making sure the resident understands their voting rights.
Absentee Ballots Available for Those with Access Issues
All states allow individuals who have difficulty accessing polling places to request an absentee ballot. However, deadlines for registering to vote by mail are fast approaching, and alternate arrangements may be necessary.
Now Is the Time to Act
Voting is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all eligible voters, regardless of age. If your loved one lives in a long-term care facility, now is the time to contact that facility to learn about available voting options.
📞 If we can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out:
(207) 848-5600
Helpful Resource: Voter Guide for Long-Term Care Residents
A Guide for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities, Their Families, Staff, and Administrators:
🔗 https://www.maineombudsman.org/pdf/2020-voters-guide.pdf
