Over the past five years, Jonathan Pierce has served in every possible volunteer role at his polling location, and so has unique insight into the experience. “Access to voting seems to be getting more difficult,” he shares. “I don’t have MS, but I know far too many who do. Everyday challenges that they face make me realize how important it is to use all the tools we have to make life better for them.” For Jonathan that includes the right to vote and his unique role in North Carolina. “We need to be diligent in our efforts to make voting as accessible as possible for everyone, especially those who need accommodations.”
As a chief judge with the Guilford Board of Elections, Jonathan sees voters with both mental and physical disabilities on Election Day. “I encourage those who struggle to come into the polling place and consider using our curbside voting option if they ever feel it’s too difficult to get inside.”
“We have handicap accessible entrances which allow a shorter walk, wheelchair access and assistance if needed. My routine on Election Day includes speaking to anyone who needs an accommodation as they enter the polling location.” Jonathan’s county has seen a 300% increase in curbside voting since he’s taken over, and he believes that is a direct result of making voters feel more comfortable with the curbside process. Jonathan shares, “while curbside voting and absentee voting are options, each and every voter needs to have the ability to go into a polling place and cast their ballot, just as every American should be able to.”
Join Jonathan in his
passion for accessible voting.