With the 2026 election quickly approaching, long term care providers can play a significant role in helping residents exercise their right to vote. Every election, seniors and other residents have a right to make their voices heard, and providers should make every effort to assist them in doing so.
Below are resources and additional information to help assist residents with the upcoming election.
Federal Regulations
For nursing homes specifically, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has regulations regarding residents' rights, including their rights as citizens, which would include the right to vote “without interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal from the facility."
On September 26, 2024, CMS issued a memo specific to this requirement, encouraging nursing home providers to collaborate with states and localities to ensure residents had the right to vote.
As noted in the CMS memo, nursing homes should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote, whether in-person, by mail, absentee, or other authorized process. Facilities should also review any applicable state regulations related to voting processes and who can provide hands-on assistance with voting on absentee ballots.
Facilities must make sure any activities surrounding voting do not pressure residents about their voting choices or preferences. As stated in the above regulation, providers should help make sure residents are able to exercise their right to vote, but should avoid any appearance of interference or coercion.
Help Residents Register to Vote
The first step is making sure residents who want to vote are registered to vote. Deadlines for registering vary by state.
Check out Vote.gov to find the registration deadlines in your state and how to register.
Help Residents with Mail-In/Absentee Ballots
For residents in long term care, absentee ballots may be an easier option than voting in-person. However, as noted previously, facilities should review any rules regarding mail-in or absentee ballots, as they may vary by state. Check out 'Can I Vote' to easily find your state's specifics with absentee or early voting.
When residents receive their ballots in the mail, ensure staff understand what they can and cannot help with when it comes to assisting residents in filling out their ballots. For example, a provider should ask the voter what choice he or she wants to make. The provider must never make assumptions regarding how a person wants to vote. If the resident has a Power of Attorney, that person should be contacted about helping the resident fill out their ballot.
Pay particular attention to any state requirements regarding the authenticity of mail-in ballots. For example, in some states, absentee ballots must be notarized. Make sure your staff understand these requirements ahead of time, so they can be ready to help residents not only complete their ballots but also avoid any pitfalls for disqualification.
Send in completed ballots as soon as possible, whether by mail or at local ballot drop boxes, if your state or county offers them.
Many states also offer voters the ability to track their ballot online. Work with the resident or their loved one, if they wish, to make sure their ballot was received and qualified to be counted. Sending in ballots quickly may help a resident address any issues flagged with their ballot promptly, to ensure it will be counted.
Take Residents to the Polls
Some facilities and residents prefer to go to the polls to vote in person. This can be an exciting outing for residents. One option for getting residents to the polls would be setting up and providing transportation to a local polling location. Some ways to find the closest polling location to your facility include:
If transportation may be an issue, setting up a polling location within your facility may be a better option, if possible.
Make it Fun
Voting in elections has been an exciting time for many residents for many years throughout their lives. Some facilities continue to celebrate this exciting time through celebrations that may include “I Voted" stickers or red, white, and blue balloons. Other facilities report that they have a local elected official meet with residents before election season, so they are educated about their rights and the processes they will follow. This could be a part of a residents' council meeting or a kick-off to the season. A #LTCVotes Campaign was recently initiated to encourage facilities to ensure residents have the right to vote.
Below are some suggested activities you can do to help make the election season fun for residents:
- Host a registration party.
- Host a facility tour for candidates, so residents can get to know them, and elected officials can learn more about long term care.
- Talk with residents about their history when voting.
- Host trivia events related to election history.
- Start a countdown calendar for how many days until the election.
- Post pictures and videos of residents participating in election-related events and using the #LTCVotes campaign hashtag and tag your community.
Contact the AHCA/NCAL Regulatory Team with any questions regarding residents' rights or regulatory requirements.