We clearly understand that our adult children with Down syndrome have the right to vote. But in reality, they are deprived of this right when their parents become their legal guardians in order to protect them. This is what happens in the United States and is similar to what happens in Spain. The law both enables and deprives them of this right when they become adults. There is a path for these adults with Down syndrome to regain their right to vote, but it involves a competency hearing before a judge. Seriously, aren’t our lives challenging enough without having to take these extra steps to secure a right that belongs to all of us?
