Voting, Politics, and the Neurodivergent Mind
When I first became eligible to vote at 18, I thought it would be exciting. A rite of passage into adulthood. Instead, I found myself overwhelmed, confused, and unsure where to even begin. I didn’t fully understand politics—how it worked, why it mattered, or how it affected my daily life. I couldn’t even figure out where I fit on the political spectrum. Was I liberal? Conservative? Somewhere in between?
The terminology alone was daunting: liberal, democrat, republican, conservative, far left, moderate, far right. The words blurred together, their meanings tangled like knots I couldn’t untie. Add to that my limited experience following the news, and the task of voting felt like trying to read a book in a language I barely knew.
For neurodivergent thinkers like me, this is not unusual. Political concepts can feel abstract and disconnected from our lived experiences. And when our minds lean toward black-and-white thinking, politics—with all its gray areas—can be even harder to grasp. On top of that, keeping track of political vocabulary, understanding nuanced debates, and distinguishing between similar-sounding terms can be exhausting.
The Weight of Information
One of the greatest barriers for me—and for many neurodivergent individuals—is not the act of voting itself, but navigating the overwhelming flood of information that comes with it. Which articles are reliable? Which statistics matter? How do I know if a candidate’s promises are realistic? The overload can feel paralyzing.
Lauren Shotwell, in The Right to Vote and Autism, writes that many people on the autism spectrum find the voting process overwhelming, especially when faced with the sheer volume of political information. Shannon Rick Shannon, a public policy manager for the Iowa Development Disabilities Council, explains that uncertainty about how to register, where to vote, or where candidates stand can be a significant barrier.
Heather Haslich Jacks, an autism spectrum consultant, adds that in-person voting also brings social challenges—navigating polling places, speaking to officials, and feeling comfortable in a busy, unfamiliar environment.
Joel Schrader, diagnosed with Asperger’s in his twenties, captures the heart of the matter:
“We just want to have our voices heard. We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re just asking for equal opportunities.”
I deeply relate to that. NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) shares similarities with autism and Asperger’s. Processing information takes more time. Social situations can be draining. The world is built for neurotypicals, and fitting into that framework often means masking—pretending to be someone we’re not—just to function. But masking can blur our sense of identity, making it even harder to know where we truly stand on political issues.
Learning to Navigate
Margaret Walsh’s article, Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Should Vote, addresses a common misconception: that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can’t understand the voting process. In reality, many of us not only understand the issues but also know exactly how policies—like budget cuts to essential services—affect our lives.
The challenge isn’t comprehension, but access to the right supports:
Clear explanations of voting procedures
Guidance on where and how to vote
Resources to research candidates and ballot measures
When I started taking voting more seriously, I reached out to my family for help. They suggested reputable websites and explained ballot propositions in plain language. I also sought out government sites and blogs that broke down complex issues. It took me over two hours to research everything, but it was worth it. I walked into the voting booth confident that my choices reflected both my values and a solid understanding of the facts.
Facing Systemic Barriers
Even with personal effort and family support, systemic barriers remain. Sarah Mortensen’s When It Comes to Disability, Our Voting Process Is Leaving People Out reveals that, historically, people with disabilities have been disproportionately denied the right to vote. Shockingly, many states still have legal provisions that exclude people deemed to have “mental incapacities”—even though voter fraud is extremely rare.
In 2020, voter turnout among people with disabilities was nearly 6% lower than among those without. This isn’t because we care less, but because the system is not built for us. Accessibility, plain-language materials, and supportive polling environments are essential—not optional—for ensuring equal participation.
Why This Matters
For neurodivergent voters, the process can feel like navigating a maze with missing signs. But the stakes are too high for us to step back. Policies about healthcare, disability services, education, and accessibility directly shape our lives. If we’re not at the table, our needs may be overlooked—or ignored entirely.
Voting isn’t just a political act. For many of us, it’s a statement of belonging. A way of saying, I matter. My voice counts. And while the learning curve can be steep, there is power in persistence, in finding our methods to gather information, and in leaning on trusted sources when the process feels too big.
Moving Forward
If you’re neurodivergent and struggling with voting, here are a few steps that have helped me:
Start early – Give yourself weeks, not days, to research candidates and ballot measures.
Use trusted sources – Government websites, reputable nonpartisan voter guides, and disability advocacy organizations can cut through misinformation.
Break it down – Focus on one issue or race at a time to avoid overwhelm.
Ask for help – Friends, family, or community groups can explain complex terms without judgment.
Practice authenticity – Vote based on your values, not the pressure of family or social circles.
Neurodivergence may make the path to voting more challenging, but it also brings unique perspectives that politics desperately needs.
Reflection Prompt:
Journal about how you approach decision-making—political or otherwise—and what strategies could help you navigate complex information more confidently.
