The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo reiterating the continued right of nursing home residents to exercise their right to vote. While the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has resulted in limitations for visitors to enter the facility to assist residents, nursing homes must still ensure residents are able to exercise their Constitutional right to vote. A resident’s rights, including the right to vote, must not be impeded in any way by the nursing home staff.
Nursing home personnel should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote, whether in person, by mail, absentee, or other authorized process. For residents who are otherwise unable to cast their ballots in person, nursing home staff must ensure residents have the right to receive and send their ballots via the U.S. Postal Service or other authorized mechanism allowed by the State or locality.
CLICK HERE to read the full memo from CMS.
