More election officials need training on voting practices in long-term care facilities, GAO finds

States can do more to improve the integrity of the voting process in long-term care facilities, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.

Fewer than half the states provide training to local election officials on state requirements or guidance to facilitate voting for facilities residents, the report, which was released Monday, found. Still, 78 of the 92 localities surveyed by the GAO take steps to facilitate voting for residents, with nearly half having election officials visit the facility to assist with the voting process. The report is the third in a series of three that GAO has released on voting accessibility this year.  

“The good news from this report is that we are making progress in ensuring that senior citizens can vote, but the bad news is that too many of those at long-term care centers still aren't getting the assistance they need to cast their vote on election day,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. He released the report along with Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI).