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November 8th Election: Voting News from the Disability Vote Coalition
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition is a non-partisan effort to help ensure full participation in the electoral process of voters with disabilities.
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Voting questions: Contact the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline: 1-844-347-8683 / 1-844-DIS-VOTE / info@disabilityvote.org
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Election Day Is November 8th
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Make sure you have your plan to vote! Our fact sheet walks you through the process: Make Your Plan to Vote: Nov 8th Fall Election. This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to sharing resources to help people with disabilities vote in the November 8th Election. Please read and share.
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Absentee ballots must arrive by Election Day!
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If you still have an absentee ballot for the November 8th election, it is likely too late to mail your ballot. Make a plan to return your ballot, or to vote in person. Ask your clerk about times and locations for returning your absentee ballot.
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Ballot Return Assistance. Voters with a disability may request assistance with mailing or delivering their ballot, or with any part of the voting process, from anyone who is not their employer or a representative of their labor union. Voters should let their assister know they may be asked to confirm they are returning a ballot for a person with a disability. The voter and assister should not have to fill out any forms or provide proof of disability. The right to assistance is protected by federal law and was affirmed by an August 2022 court order.
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For information about ballot return assistance:
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Assistance Completing a Ballot. If a voter with a disability needs help marking the ballot, they may have a person of their choice assist them. That person does not need to be qualified to vote. If voting at their polling place, the voter may bring someone with them or request assistance from a poll worker. The assister cannot be the voter’s employer or union representative. The person assisting you must sign the ballot in the space provided. If voting absentee, the assister should also sign the absentee certificate envelope. The assister may also serve as the witness.
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Do you need a ride to your polling place on Election Day? Or a ride for early voting or to go to the DMV for a photo ID? The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition has compiled this list of providers who offer transportation for voting. Don’t wait - most require you to reserve your ride in advance.
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- Check your polling place as it may have changed. https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place
- Remember to bring your photo ID. If you don’t have a driver’s license or other valid Photo ID, you can get a FREE Wisconsin State ID card at any Wisconsin DMV location. Don’t delay – act today! Help is available:
- Bring it to the Ballot
- DMV voter ID hotline: (844) 588-1069
- Call or text Vote Riders: 844-338-8743
- Call or text the LWV Voter Helpline at 608-285-2141
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Are you registered to vote?
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You can register at your polling place on Election Day or at your clerk’s office. Be sure to bring your photo ID and proof of residence documents, such as a current utility bill, lease, paycheck or pay stub, university ID card or other official document showing your name and current address. Check your voter registration on MyVote Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin law requires that curbside voting be available to voters who cannot enter their polling place due to disability. To vote curbside, you may need to ring a doorbell, honk your horn, or go to an area in the parking lot or outside your polling place. If you need to vote curbside, it’s helpful to call your clerk in advance to get the details.
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People with disabilities have the right to have an equal opportunity to vote, and to access disability related accommodations, if needed.
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Our video and fact sheet explain voting rights and accommodations:
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All polling places must have accessible voting equipment set up and turned on.
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This is required by federal and state law. This machine allows voters to independently and privately mark the ballot. They should be set up to allow voters who use a wheelchair to reach the controls, and have an audio ballot-marking option for voters with a visual disability. Any voter may use this equipment. Be an ally when you go to the polls and ask to use the accessible voting equipment.
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Voting Resources for Service Providers
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Do you work for an agency that supports people with disabilities and older adults? Service providers can play an important role in supporting people with disabilities and older adults with the right to vote. The Disability Vote Coalition spoke to assisted living and group home providers about supporting their residents to vote at a recent DQA Assisted Living Town Hall. Check out our training materials and resources:
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Take the Voter Experience Survey!
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The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and partners are conducting a survey to learn about voters' experience during the November 8 election. Please take the survey! It will help the League and the Disability Vote Coalition learn about your voting experience, any challenges you had, and what worked well.
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VOTING QUESTIONS?
Help is available! Contact these resources:
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