This Is National Disability Voter Registration Week

wheelchair
wheelchair

During National Disability Voter Registration Week, advocates are hoping to convince county election officials around Michigan before the November election to make sure polling places are set up for people with disabilities. RoAnne Chaney, Executive Director of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, says some election policies can also block access or create long lines that are difficult for some people to stand in.

Our legislature here did pass a law eliminating the ability to vote a straight ticket, Chaney said. “That may increase the time it takes to vote. We are a state that requires ID, that’s sometimes an issue for people who don’t drive and don’t realize that you can get a state ID.”

Nearly 19% of America’s population lives with a disability. Chaney says disabled voters need to get into the building, and be able to get into the booth and manipulate the equipment. She says they also need privacy in voting. Chaney says community members can help by calling their local election board or the Secretary of State’s office if they notice polling places that aren’t set up to accommodate people with disabilities.