It is possible that on Election Day (Tuesday, November 2, 2010) some Americans with disabilities will be at risk for disenfranchisement because of poorly trained poll workers, inaccessible voting sites, and malfunctioning or inaccessible voting machines. AAPD joined the Election Protection coalition, as a way to ensure that voting sites are accessible to people with disabilities. The goal of the Election Protection coalition is to make sure the rights of all registered voters are protected. The coalition has a hotline with hundreds of lawyers ready to answer questions and give resources. Building field programs have also been established in 20 states.
Disability Rights North Carolina is a point of reference about voting issues affecting people with disabilities for the Election Protection coalition in North Carolina. Disability Rights North Carolina staff’s efforts to lessen disenfranchisement began before Election Day and will continue until November 2nd. We have been providing voter rights information on our regular monitoring visits to Adult Care Homes in North Carolina. We engaged in education and information sharing with disability advocacy groups across North Carolina. DRNC staff is also providing information to State and Local Boards of Elections to educate volunteer poll workers on issues related to voters with disabilities. We have even used the media to highlight the importance of voting and voter’s rights. Our Public Service Announcements aired on over 250 North Carolina radio stations and we have promoted of voters rights for people with disabilities via public access television. Our staff is also performing accessibility surveys of OneStop and Election Day voting sites.
You can learn more about the Election Protection coalition and their efforts on Election day by visiting the following website, http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2010/10/election-protection-for-november-elections.html
If you trouble voting call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866.687.8683) or report your problems at www.866OurVote.org
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