Remember During This Election Season: Voter Intimidation is Elder Abuse

Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on November 1, 2024

As we approach the Presidential election this November, it is important to consider our elderly loved ones and ensure that their voices are heard. Many seniors, particularly those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, may face challenges when it comes to participating in the voting process. One of these challenges might come in the form of voter intimidation or fraud.

What is Voter Intimidation?

Voter intimidation is when someone intimidates, threatens, or coerces an individual into voting a certain way. The reason that many senior citizens can be intimidated is because they have no one to tell. Some rely on their caretakers for basic functions of living, and fear repercussion. However, voter intimidation can take other forms, like:

Aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications to
vote, in a manner intended to interfere with the voters’ rights.
Falsely presenting oneself as an elections official.
Spreading false information about voter requirements.
Displaying false or misleading signs about voter fraud and the related criminal penalties.

How Can I Prevent Voter Intimidation?

Unfortunately, there can be instances of voter intimidation in nursing homes, where staff may unduly influence residents. To help prevent this, you can:

Educate Your Loved One on their Rights: Make sure that your family member understands their voting rights. They should know they have the right to vote independently without pressure from others, and that there are several ways to vote.
Monitor the Environment: If your loved one resides in a nursing home, be aware of the environment during election season. Regular visits can help you gauge if there is any inappropriate influence or coercion from staff.
Communicate with Management: If you suspect coercion or pressure, don’t hesitate to bring your concerns to the attention of the facility’s management. They should have policies in place to protect residents’ voting rights.

Other Ways to Help Your Elderly Loved Ones During the Voting Season:

1. Help with Registration

The first step in participating in an election is ensuring that your loved ones are registered to vote. Many seniors may not be aware of the registration requirements or deadlines. Here’s how you can help:

Check Registration Status: Visit your state’s election website to verify if your loved one is registered. You can typically find this information by entering basic details such as name and date of birth.
Assist with Registration: If your elderly family member is not registered, help them fill out the necessary forms. This can be done online or through mail.
Educate on Deadlines: Make sure they are aware of registration and ballot deadlines. Keeping track of these dates helps ensure that they don’t miss the opportunity to vote.

2. Help Them Understand Their Voting Options

Understanding the different voting methods available can empower seniors to choose the option that best suits their needs:

In-Person Voting: If your loved one is able and willing, assist them in planning a trip to the polls. Offer to accompany them to provide support and help navigate any physical challenges they might face.
- ADA-approved voting machines will be available to those with disabilities.
- Assistance will be available upon request to every voter.
- Voters with disabilities have the opportunity to bring someone to assist them after completing a Voter Assistance Form.
Absentee Voting: Kentucky offers absentee ballots for those unable to vote in person. Help them request and fill out the ballot, and ensure it is mailed back in time to be counted.
- Absentee Ballots can be mailed in or returned by 6pm on Election Day to the County Clerk’s office by a trusted adult.
- You can request an absentee ballot at govote.ky.gov or call the County Clerk.
Early Voting: Kentucky offers early voting, which can help avoid long lines and crowds on election day. Check if this option is available for your loved one and assist them in making arrangements.

3. Create a Voting Plan Together

Working together with your loved ones to create a voting plan can make the process less overwhelming. Talk about the available voting methods and help them decide which one they prefer so that you can plan ahead and they feel comfortable and informed about their choice. If they are voting in person, it can help to set a date and time to go together. This not only ensures they have transportation, but also makes the experience more enjoyable. Before they vote, it also helps to review the candidates and issues on the ballot. This can be a great opportunity for discussion and can help them make informed decisions if they have not had easy access to debates and other fact-checking informational sources.

Do You Suspect Voter Intimidation at Your Senior’s Nursing Home? Call Cooper and Friedman, Elder Abuse Lawyers in Louisville, KY

Whether it’s ensuring they are registered, understanding their options, or safeguarding against voter intimidation, every effort for the elderly community’s voting rights counts. We can help ensure that our loved ones can participate in the election without the worry of intimidation. However, if you do suspect that the staff, other residents, or family is intimidating your loved one, call Cooper and Friedman for a free consultation.

If you or someone you love has experienced elder abuse in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced Elder Law & Nursing Home Neglect attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of the elderly. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.