Voting

• About the issue
• Why does this matter to people with disabilities?
• Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue?
• Who can I contact with my questions?
• Background Information For This Issue

About the issue: (Top of page)

Every eligible citizen of this nation has the right to register to vote, enter a polling place without barriers, cast their vote and have that vote counted correctly.

There are many laws in this state and country that protect the right to vote for all people, including people with disabilities. Even with these laws, people with disabilities don’t vote at the same rate as the non-disabled population. They typically vote at a rate that is 15-20% lower. Disability advocates have identified some barriers that explain this voting gap.

In 2002 federal legislation was signed into law to modernize our voting process. The legislation called the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires all polling places to have at least one voting machine that allows people with disabilities to cast a secret and independent ballot. It also requires that voters can cast a provisional ballot.

As part of HAVA, Wisconsin developed a State Plan that describes how they will implement it in the state. The Plan explains how HAVA funds will be spent. It also says that poll workers will receive disability awareness training, all polling sites will be assessed for disability access, and vendor fairs will be held to educate the public on new voting machines. All of these activities are designed to remove barriers to voting.

Why does this matter to people with disabilities? (Top of page)

With rights comes responsibility. Citizen advocates can better influence decisions elected officials make, if they vote. Elected officials, including the governor and your legislators, can find out whether you vote, but not how you vote. These busy people will pay more attention to your issues, if you take your voting responsibility seriously and vote.

Are there any proposals that would make a change in this issue? (Top of page)

• Assembly Bill 39 - Voter Registration
  This bill allows the creation of municipal satellite voting stations for the purpose of absentee voting. The bill permits any qualified elector of a municipality to obtain and cast an absentee ballot at a satellite station. [More on Assembly Bill 39 ]
  
• Assembly Bill 93 - Robo Calls
  This would prohibit the use of certain automated telephone calls commonly called "Robo Calls". These are typically used during elections. [More on Assembly Bill 93 ]
  
• Assembly Bill 249 - Election Practices
  This bill makes several changes in the laws relating to elections and voting. Included in the bill are deceptive election practices, and voter intimidation, suppression, and protection. [More on Assembly Bill 249 ]
  
• Joint Assembly Bill 39 - Age to Vote
  This amendment to the state constitution would change the eligibilty age of voting from 18 to 17 years. [More on Joint Assembly Bill 39 ]
  
• Senate Bill 179 - Election Practices
  This bill makes several changes in the laws relating to elections and voting. Included in the bill are deceptive election practices, and voter intimidation, suppression, and protection. [More on Senate Bill 179 ]
  
• Senate Bill 199 - Voter ID
  This bill requires a person to present a vaild Wisconsin driver's license, military ID or Wisconsin ID before registering to vote or voting. The bill also contains other provisions related to voting. [More on Senate Bill 199 ]
  

Who can I contact with my questions? (Top of page)

John Shaw
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Madison WI 53703-2796
Phone: Voice (608) 266-7707; TDD (608) 266-6660
Email: John1.Shaw@wisconsin.gov
Fax: (608) 267-3906

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Background Information For This Issue (Top of page)

• American Association of People with Disabilities Vote Project
• League of Women Voters-Wisconsin
• National Organization on Disability
• Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition
• Wisconsin State Elections Board
• Accessible Voting Machine Information
• How to Host a Candidate Forum
• Voting Guide for Citizens with Disabilities