It’s Election Day in Wisconsin! It is time to get out to vote, especially if you are someone with a disability. The General Election results impact those with or without disabilities. Now is the time to express your voice to have an impact on the choices made about yourself.
As a person with a disability, it is your civil right to vote and to have the necessary accommodations to vote in state and federal elections. This right is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights law that provides protections to people with disabilities that are similar to protections provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments (“public entities”) to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote,” states Disability Rights Wisconsin.
1. Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition
A resource that can help those with disabilities better under their rights as voters is the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition. Also on their website is information about how to vote, paperwork you may need to be eligible to vote, and other important details about voting.
The website for Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition can be found: https://disabilityvote.org/
A resource for Voters with disabilities is available from the coalition online too. Find it here.
2. Transportation Support
Transportation to the voting polls makes voting more accessible for those with disabilities.
A list of various service providers can be found using the spreadsheet found here: RIDES TO THE POLLS.
In Racine County, ADRC Racine County, is available to help those who are:
- Voters with a disability
- Voters with a disability age 18-59
- Voters 60 and older
- Elderly voters
- Disabled veterans
- Voters who are paratransit elgible
It is $5 through ADRC Racine County.
Likewise, if you are a voter in the Burlington area, there is West End Express. Call 262-764-0377. It is $2.00 per trip.
In addition, not listed with Rides to the Polls, but various services like Uber and Lyft, oftentimes offer discounted services for voters needing rides to the polls. Check your app for details.
3. Wisconsin Elections Commission
The Wisconsin Elections Commission states that the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires that every polling place in the State of Wisconsin meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards.
What you should know:
- All polling places must have accessible voting machines available for use at the polling place on election day.
- All polling places must also fulfill any requests from voters wishing to vote curbside, or voting without leaving your vehicle.
- Voters may also request accommodations from their local municipal clerk. These accommodations are confidential.
Curbside voting can be arranged for Racine County residents. Check with your municipality.
4. MyVote Wisconsin
MyVote Wisconsin is a website that can be viewed as your one stop shop for voting information. Find what is on your ballot, where to vote, update your general information, and even register to vote.
5. Vote Racine
Vote Racine offers a City of Racine Voters Guide and voter options available in the City of Racine.
