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 7 - Photo ID
  This bill requires a voter to show a Photo ID when voting. [More on Assembly Bill 7 ]
  
• Senate Bill 6 - Photo ID
  This bill would require a voter to show a valid photo ID in order to vote. Valid IDs would be limited to a driver's license, state issued ID or military ID. The bill also does away with the use of corroboration when a person registers to vote. [More on Senate Bill 6 ]
  Take action on Senate Bill 6

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