What is Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW)?

There are over 38 million people with disabilities who are eligible to vote, but access barriers keep many disabled voters from accessing their right to vote. Disability Voting Rights Week is all about protecting the rights of people with disabilities to participate fully in our democracy.

Disability Voting Rights used to be called “National Disability Voter Registration Week” and is hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP Voting Campaign  Learn More

What is LWV doing to ensure equal access to the ballot for Americans with disabilities? 

• Americans with disabilities are less likely to be registered to vote than Americans without disabilities. The League holds voter registration drives at a variety of locations across the country. With the help of VOTE411.org, League members disseminate voter education materials and make sure all eligible voters have the information they need to vote.

• During elections, League members play a role in helping ensure proper implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by serving as volunteer poll watchers. League members check on physical accessibility requirements mandated under the Americans with Disabilities Act -- including exit ramps, elevators and parking -- and help ensure that poll workers are aware of and responsive to the needs of voters with disabilities.

• We work tirelessly to fight restrictive voter ID measures which disproportionately affect people with disabilities – many of whom lack driver’s licenses. 

• Leagues across the country help increase voting access for Americans with disabilities by ensuring that states are compliant with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), critical legislation that requires state public assistance and disabilities agencies to offer clients the opportunity to register to vote. 

• *Image from AAPD.com