A Powerful and Overlooked Voting Bloc in the 2026 and 2028 Elections

As the U.S. approaches the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election, the disabled community is emerging as a critical voting force. With over 40 million eligible voters, this group has the potential to decide election outcomes, particularly in battleground states where the margins of victory are often razor-thin. Despite this, many political campaigns continue to overlook the concerns of disabled voters, failing to address the systemic barriers that hinder their participation in the democratic process.

A Growing Political Powerhouse

According to the Rutgers Program for Disability Research, the number of eligible disabled voters has grown by 5.1% since 2020. This makes the disability voting bloc larger than the Hispanic/Latino and Black voting populations in the U.S. In key battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the disabled voting population is larger than the margin of victory in previous elections, meaning that mobilizing disabled voters could determine control of Congress and the White House.

In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout among people with disabilities increased by 6 percentage points, reducing the historic gap between disabled and non-disabled voters. If this trend continues, the disability vote could reshape American politics in ways never seen before. (ncsl.org)

Midterms 2026: A Crucial Test for the Disabled Vote

The 2026 midterms will determine control of Congress, with all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats on the line. With many races expected to be decided by slim margins, the disabled vote could be the deciding factor in determining which party holds legislative power.

However, voter suppression efforts targeting disabled voters are increasing. Some states have implemented stricter voter ID laws, reduced mail-in voting options, and limited early voting periods, disproportionately affecting people with disabilities. In Louisiana, a new law criminalizing assistance to multiple absentee voters is already facing legal challenges from disability rights groups. (democracydocket.com)

Advocacy organizations, including the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Easterseals, are ramping up efforts to ensure disabled voters can cast their ballots without obstruction.

2028 Presidential Election: A Historic Opportunity

The 2028 election will be a turning point in American politics. With younger voters making up a larger share of the electorate and the continued growth of the disabled voting population, political candidates can no longer afford to ignore this community.

Key issues that matter to disabled voters include:

• Healthcare (expanding Medicaid, mental health access, home care services)
• Disability rights (expanding the ADA, workplace accommodations, accessible technology)
• Voting accessibility (ensuring mail-in voting, accessible polling places, ballot assistance)
• Economic security (raising SSDI/SSI income limits, fair wages for disabled workers)

Candidates who actively engage with the disability community and prioritize these issues could gain a massive advantage over opponents who continue to overlook this crucial voting bloc. (brookings.edu)

The Future of the Disability Vote

The disabled community is no longer a silent political force, it is a powerful and growing voting bloc that has the potential to reshape elections at every level of government. However, achieving full political inclusion will require:

1. Protecting voting rights to prevent restrictive laws from suppressing disabled voters.
2. Ensuring all polling places are ADA-compliant and equipped with accessible voting machines.
3. Expanding mail-in and early voting options to accommodate voters with mobility challenges.
4. Encouraging political candidates to address disability issues directly in their campaigns.

As the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election approach, the question remains: Will politicians recognize the power of disabled voters? Or will they continue to ignore one of the most influential, yet underserved, electorates in the country?

One thing is certain... the disabled vote has the power to decide elections, and the political world is finally starting to take notice.