(Image: A black man who is a wheelchair user and a Muslim woman in a hijab are taking ballot papers at polling station on election day.)
CPWD stands firmly by the belief that accessible voting is not only a right but an important tool for empowering individuals and making sure that their voices are heard. For people with disabilities, accessible voting ensures that they contribute to the decisions, candidates, policies and laws that shape our communities and services. Yet, systemic barriers exist that prevent many individuals with disabilities from accessing their right to vote. Changes in access to voting are needed to guarantee greater accessibility in all aspects of the electoral process. Advocacy – identifying the barriers, coming up with solutions, informing and educating decision makers, and changing the system – is necessary to increase accessible voting, and create an equitable society that offers accessibility for all as its foundation.
Voting is more than just casting a ballot; it is a means of participating in democracy, having a voice in public discussions, and influencing policies that directly impact our lives. For people with disabilities, accessible voting guarantees that they are not excluded from these conversations.
The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA) – part of the ADA – requires accessible polling places in federal elections for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Where no accessible location is available to serve as a polling place, voters must be provided an alternate means of voting on election day.
Even so, many voting locations are still inaccessible, and accommodations such as sign language interpreters, Braille ballots, and accessible voting machines are not always available.
Colorado is working toward creating requirements that allow everyone, regardless of ability, to exercise their right to vote. Recently, the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities Task Force, established under HB23-1296, was formed to address some of these challenges and barriers.
The Role of the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities Task Force
Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera (center) signed three bills into law in May 2023 that intend to expand access for Coloradans with disabilities. Pictured here, Primavera hands bill-sponsor Rep. David Ortiz (bottom left) the pen she used to sign one of the laws. Photo: Lucas Brady Woods/KUNC
In May, 2023, the Colorado Legislature passed HB23-1296, that led to the creation of a task force dedicated to studying and making recommendations on the rights of persons with disabilities in Colorado. A key component of this initiative is the Government Subcommittee, which focuses on making sure that people with disabilities have access to the services they need, can participate effectively in public discussions, gain employment with governmental agencies, and run for and serve in elected office.
The Government Subcommittee is exploring a number of recommendations to improve accessibility in all aspects of public and political life. Some of the most important ideas under consideration include:
- Requiring ADA Compliance for Campaign Venues: Any venue used for campaign events must be fully ADA-compliant, with certification from an appropriate government body.
- ADA Coordinators in Every Jurisdiction: Colorado jurisdictions must designate an ADA compliance officer, ensuring accountability and proper accommodation.
- Accessible Election Resources: The Secretary of State should develop accessible, multi-format resources outlining election processes, and maintain a guide on ADA compliance for all jurisdictions.
- Electronic Signature Gathering: The establishment of fully accessible electronic signature-gathering processes to make ballot access more equitable for all candidates.
- Accessible Government Services and Facilities: Recommendations also include guaranteeing accessible platforms for constituent participation in public meetings, and providing auxiliary aids to elected officials as needed.
These recommendations have been made to overcome barriers that prevent people with disabilities from voting, and from participating in electoral and other political processes, including serving in public office. Removing these obstacles will increase equitable representation and include the voice of people with disabilities in policies and decisions that directly impact their lives. CPWD is proud to have representation on this subcommittee through our Community Organizer, Craig Towler.
Upcoming Events and Voting Resources
As part of this work towards further equality and accessibility in the voting process, CPWD has partnered with several other organizations to create the following events. These events have been designed to educate the public, open up access to voting, and create the foundation of normalizing accessibility in the voting processes.
CPWD board member Michael Stone, who is blind, sits at a voting machine. His guide dog, a yellow lab, sits at his feet. In the background, Craig Towler, CPWD’s Community Organizer, looks on. He sits in his wheelchair.
All About Voting Virtual Event
October 1, 2024, 6-7 PM
Join us for All About Voting in 2024, a free virtual event where we will cover everything you need to know about voting in the upcoming election. From how to vote, to the resources available to assist you, and the many ways you can cast your ballot, this event is open to all. Coordinated by CPWD, The Arc of Arapahoe & Douglas, The Arc of Aurora, and other partners. The event is open to all and hosted via Zoom.
Join the Zoom event here: Zoom Meeting ID: 885 5041 8813
Call-in Number: 1-719-359-4580
Early Voting at CPWD Boulder Office
October 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
CPWD, in collaboration with the Boulder County Elections Office, will host an early voting event at our Boulder office. This event offers a comfortable and accessible voting environment for people with disabilities, complete with accessible voting machines, language assistance, voter registration services, and more.
Location: CPWD Boulder Office, 1675 Range St. Boulder, CO 80301
For more information on this event and the election, visit Boulder County Votes.
These events are part of the work Colorado is doing to make sure every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to vote, to be heard, and to be included in the democratic process.
Before you can add your voice in the democratic process, you must register to vote. Thankfully it is as easy as filling out a form online. Click here to register.
Not sure if you have already registered or not? You can go here and input your information to see if you have an active registration.
Did you know you can now vote online in Colorado? Voters with disabilities can access their electronic ballot independently and privately from home or any location. Starting 22 days before the election, visit myballot.sos.colorado.gov to access your electronic ballot or sample ballot. The website will guide you step-by-step through the voting process.
After voting, print your completed ballot, along with the accessible ballot application, sign it, and return it by mail or drop it off at a county drop-box or polling center by 7 PM on election day.
Don’t know where to drop off your ballot? Check out https://justvotecolorado.org/locations/ to find a ballot box near you.
Breaking Barriers and Building Representation
Systemic oppression and marginalization are real issues that impact the lives of people with disabilities in many areas of personal and civic life. With each effort to create equal access in voting and political participation, we move closer to a future where every voice is heard, and where the disability community is fully represented in our civic laws and policies. CPWD will continue to work for accessibility and equality through advocacy, education, and action. Accessible voting not only brings the disability voice to the vote, but strengthens the promise of democracy by offering an inclusive system for everyone, regardless of ability.
For more information on your rights as a voter and additional voting resources, visit the Colorado Voter Resource Hub. Let’s make sure that in 2024, every vote counts and every voice is heard.
