High-level literacy skills are required for full participation in the democratic process through voting. Consequently, adults with low-level literacy skills are at a disadvantage. This work investigated the disparity between the readability of U.S. ballot propositions for year 2022 state elections and grade level reading estimates (≤eighth grade) for adults. Educational attainment was also examined. Propositions ( n = 140) from 38 states were included. Mean readability was 18 (range 7.0-64.0). Only four measures (3%) fell within range of national estimates for adult reading ability. Thirty-nine percent of adults completed high school or less, yet 74% of ballots were written well above a high school reading level. There is a discrepancy between the literacy skills of the average voter and the readability of most propositions. The findings of this study have important implications for individuals with learning disabilities. Policy changes and educational support efforts should be initiated.

中文翻译：

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美国成年人识字率低，投票提案困难

通过投票充分参与民主进程需要高水平的识字技能。因此，识字能力较低的成年人处于不利地位。这项工作调查了美国 2022 年州选举选票提案的可读性与成人年级阅读估计（≤八年级）之间的差异。教育程度也受到了审查。来自 38 个州的提案 (n = 140) 被纳入其中。平均可读性为 18（范围 7.0-64.0）。只有四项指标（3%）落在国家成人阅读能力估计范围内。 39% 的成年人完成了高中或以下学业，但 74% 的选票远高于高中阅读水平。普通选民的读写能力与大多数提案的可读性之间存在差异。这项研究的结果对有学习障碍的人具有重要意义。应启动政策改变和教育支持工作。