Tag: Disability Voter Rights

Top Five Things You Need to Know Before Tomorrow’s Election

Are you ready for the presidential election tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5?  A recent poll showed 1 in 6 voters has a disability – arguably one of the largest voter blocks in this year’s election, assuming everyone participates in our democracy and exercises their right to vote.  If you haven’t registered to vote, or plan to vote in person tomorrow, here are five things you need to know and share:

  1. SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION: You can register to vote in person at your local polling place, if you have a valid identification or drivers license and social security card (or know the number). Learn more about Same Day Voter Registration and find your polling place at the sos.ca.gov
  2. REQUEST SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS:  Did you know you can request special accommodations at your polling place if you are a person with a disability?  You can make a request for accommodations through your county Registrar of Voters.  You can also take advantage of curbside voting, and request materials with large print, and in different languages.
  3. HOTLINE TO REPORT DISCRIMINATION OR CONCERNS: Disability Rights California has established a hotline for Californians with disabilities to report any experiences with discrimination or to share other concerns with barriers to accessible voting. Call 1-888-569-7955 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST).  If no one answers, please leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as they can.
  4. UNDERSTANDING THE CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS: There are 10 Propositions on the California ballot. Many of them can be complex and sometimes confusing. To help you make an informed choice, visit cavotes.org/easy-voter-guide and learn more about the propositions.  The Easy Voter Guide is available in five languages.
  5. TRACK YOUR BALLOT: If you mailed in your ballot ahead of the November 5 election, you can track your ballot to make sure it was counted.  Visit wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to get the status of your ballot, and receive a text, email or call about the status of your ballot.

As a community, let’s ensure we select elected officials and policies that will protect and uphold the rights of Californians with disabilities. If you are 18 years old, or older, get out and vote, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. If you are not sure where to go in your County to register to vote or cast your ballot, visit sos.ca.gov to FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE.

If you need additional information or resources, visit disabilityvoteca.org

Your Vote Matters: Disability Voting Rights Week is September 9 to 13, 2024

Imagine the power of 9 million Californians with disabilities voting. Voting gives individuals the opportunity to advocate for laws and policies that promote equality, accessibility, and inclusion. Whether it’s pushing for accessible public transportation, improved services and supports, or funding for disability advocacy organizations, your vote can make a difference in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their communities.

Disability Vote California is a non-partisan campaign to eliminate barriers to voting, promote accessibility of voting technology and polling places; educate voters about issues and candidates; promote turnout of voters with disabilities across the state; engage candidates and the media on disability issues, and protect eligible voters’ right to participate in elections. As a coalition, we believe in the power of our community to shape the future by making sure every vote counts. Voting is not just a right, it’s a way to advocate for the issues that matter most to the disability community. But for many people with disabilities, the voting process can be difficult or inaccessible. That’s why it is crucial for our community to come together, empower ourselves and one another, and ensure that our friends, family members and neighbors with disabilities have the tools and resources to vote independently and confidently.

For Disability Voting Rights Week, September 9 to 13, 2024, let’s make this election one where the disability community shows up and speaks up! You can participate this week’s campaign by doing the following:

  1. Make sure you are registered to vote;
  2. Spread the word on social media or eblast;
  3. Offer assistance to a friend, family member, or colleague with disabilities to register to vote.

For more information on accessible voting, registering to vote and other helpful resources, visit DisabilityVoteCA.org.

Together, we can break down barriers and make voting accessible for all! Connect with Disability Vote California on Facebook and Instagram.

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