Tag: Disability Voter Rights

Your Voice, Your Vote: Make a Plan for the June 2026 Primary Election

Californians will head to the polls on June 2, 2026 to vote in the statewide primary election—and the disability community has an important role to play.

Across California, more than 500,000 people with developmental disabilities, along with their families, caregivers, and supporters, make up a powerful voting bloc. When the disability community participates in elections, policymakers pay attention. Our collective voices help shape decisions that affect essential services, supports, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Disability Vote California is a statewide effort working to increase civic participation and make voting more accessible for people with disabilities.

If you plan to vote in the June 2, 2026 Primary Election, now is the time to make a plan:

Disability Vote California offers easy-to-understand guides, videos, and tools designed to help people with developmental disabilities participate confidently in the democratic process. You can explore these resources and learn how to register or update your voter information at disabilityvoteca.org.

The California Secretary of State also provides a dedicated page with information about accessible voting options and resources for voters with disabilities.

Voting is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. By registering, learning about the issues, and participating in the June primary, members of the disability community can help shape the future of California.

Learn more and access voting resources:

• Disability Vote California

• California Secretary of State

Together, our voices—and our votes—can help build a more inclusive California.

The last day to register to vote is Monday, May 18 at midnight.

The Power of the Disability Vote in California’s November 4 Special Election

People with disabilities make up one of the largest voting blocs in California — and when we vote, we shape the future. Every election matters, and the upcoming Statewide Special Election on November 4, 2025 is no exception.

This election will give Californians the opportunity to approve or reject Proposition 50. Whether you cast your ballot by mail, at a secure drop box, or in person at a vote center, your voice will directly impact decisions that affect our communities.

As Secretary of State Shirley Weber reminds us: “Your participation in every election is vital to ensuring democracy thrives.” For the disability community, that participation is especially powerful. When we vote, we show lawmakers that people with disabilities and their families are watching, engaged, and ready to hold leaders accountable.

Key Dates:

    • October 20, 2025 – Last day to register to vote.
    • November 4, 2025 – Election Day.

Accessible voting options are in place to ensure every Californian can participate: universal vote-by-mail ballots, secure drop boxes, multiple in-person voting approaches, same-day voter registration, and provisional voting. Visit DisabilityVoteCA.org to register and learn more about accessible voting.

Now is the time to get informed, register if you haven’t already, and make your plan to vote. Together, we can demonstrate the full strength of California’s disability vote and ensure our community’s priorities are heard loud and clear.

Disability Voting Rights Week Kicks Off: Empowering Millions to Make Their Voices Heard

Today The Arc of California proudly kicks-off Disability Voting Rights Week: a nationwide effort dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to the ballot and are empowered to make their voices heard.

From September 8–12, 2025, advocates, families, and community leaders will come together to highlight both the progress made and the barriers that remain in protecting voting rights for people with disabilities.

People with disabilities represent one of the largest voting blocs in the country, yet millions still face challenges at the polls – from inaccessible polling places to lack of plain-language information about voting procedures. During Disability Voting Rights Week, organizations across the state will host voter registration drives, educational webinars, and community conversations. To find California-specific resources—including accessible voter guides, registration tools, and ways to advocate—visit DisabilityVoteCA.org.

Here’s how you can get involved:

    • Check your registration: Make sure your voter information is current. Start at DisabilityVoteCa.org.
    • Spread the word: Share resources with your family, friends, and networks.
    • Advocate for access: Support legislation and community efforts that remove barriers to voting.

Disability Voting Rights Week is a powerful reminder that protecting and expanding access to the ballot is not just policy – it is a matter of justice. Depending on where you’re registered to vote, your voting options might be different. Whether a vote center or a polling place, accessible ways to vote will be available. Be sure to double check the voting options in your county.

The next opportunity to exercise your right to vote is coming up on November 4, 2025 in the California Statewide Special Election. The last day to register to vote in the Special Election is October 20, 2025.

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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