This week is Disability Voting Rights Week- a week to encourage all citizens to support the disability community and to share resources to help grow the number of registered people with disabilities. According to The American Association of People with Disabilities, in 2020, an estimated 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote. This year, the disability community and voting rights advocates are determined to continue to amplify the disability voice and civic participation across the country.

CRN is a proud partner for Disability Voting Rights Week. With the help of the AAPD and our Florida’s Chapter of REV UP, Access The Vote, we’ve rounded up what you need to know about registering and accessible voting.

Registering To Vote

People with disabilities can use registration assistance to vote. Staff at your local Supervisor of Elections Office can explain the requirements for correctly filling out a voter registration application and can even help you complete the form itself. You may also choose to receive assistance from your spouse, parent, or child. You can also enlist the help from a variety of organizations like the Florida League of Women Voters and Rock the Vote.

Know Your Rights

Every poll site in the state is required to have at least one accessible and operational accessible voting system on election day and during all early voting.

Click here to learn more about accessible voting machines. 

As a voter with a disability, you have the following rights:

• The right to a full and equal opportunity to vote
• The right to vote privately and independently
• The right to utilize accessible poll sites, voter registration systems, vote-by-mail balloting & other ballot casting devices
• The right to receive assistance from a person of my own choosing when I cast my ballot

Well-Informed Voting

Use online resources such as vote411.org to stay informed about what is on the ballot. Learn about what issues or laws are being introduced, who the candidates are, and where they stand on disability issues.

Remember, register, vote and use your power!

Additional Resources:

@revupcampaign
@accessthevotefl
@aapd
@disabilityrightsoffl