In Wisconsin, adults under guardianship retain the right to vote unless the court has expressly removed that right. Only a court can take away the right to vote. An individual who has lost the right to vote can petition the…
Public Comments for November 30 WEC Meeting
The Disability Vote Coalition provided public comments at the November 30th meeting of the Wisconsin Election Commission. Comments addressed what we heard from disabled voters about their experiences voting in the November 2022 election, as well as observations from Election…
Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition Policy Recommendations
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition supports the following recommendations to increase the accessibility of Wisconsin elections and provide equitable access for voters with disabilities. While federal and state law include many provisions that address the accessibility of our elections, some…
Press Event: Disability Rights and the November 8th Election
Event Information 2022 has been a challenging year for many voters with disabilities. Wisconsin has seen attacks on the federally protected right to assistance with voting, and absentee voting processes have continued to change. For many voters with disabilities, the…
Video: Shining a Light on Accessible Voting
Learn about accessible voting by watching a new video from the Self Determination channel, “Shining a Light on Accessible Voting Machines” with Denise Jess. Moderator Stacy Ellingen, Denise, and other voters talk about the importance of accessible voting machines and…
Parent to Parent: Why I Support My Adult Child with a Disability to Vote
Parents share why retaining their child’s right to vote is so important to them and their child with a disability. View the Parent-to-Parent video with audio descriptions via Youtube.
Voting Resources for the November 8th Election for Service Providers
Voting rights is an important resident rights issue. 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…
Protect Your Right to Vote: Proposed Election Laws
Proposals to change election laws are being made at the state and federal levels. Existing laws are being challenged in state and federal courts. How could these changes affect people of color and those with disabilities? Our panelists will address…
Rides to the Polls Survey for November 2022 Election
The Disability Vote Coalition is reaching out to ask for your help to update our “Rides to the Polls” list for the November 2022 election. We will include the information we receive on the Disability Vote Coalition website to help…
Absentee Ballot Return Assistance for the Nov 8th Election
A federal court has affirmed the right of voters with disabilities to use ballot return assistance. Disability Rights Wisconsin is receiving questions from disabled voters who need assistance mailing or delivering their absentee ballots. These practices were restricted in the…
Make Your Plan to Vote in the Nov 8 Election Interactive Session
Event Information Make Your Plan to Vote in the November 8th Election, September 29 at 7 PM Join us on Zoom and Facebook Live for this interactive session. Vision loss should not be a barrier to exercising your right to…
Guardianship and Voting Resources
Guardianship and Voting: How to Get Your Right to Vote Back In Wisconsin, people under guardianship retain the right to vote unless the court expressly removes that right. These resources explain how to determine if you have the retained or…
How I Got My Right to Vote Back: A Message from Jennifer Kratsch
In this video, self-advocate Jennifer Kratsch shares how she got her right to vote back. In Wisconsin, people under guardianship retain the right to vote unless the court removes the right. If you have lost the right to vote, you…
Madison Disability Voting Rights Press Event
Join us in celebrating National Disability Voting Rights Week. This week raises awareness that voters with disabilities across the country have an important voice. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Deputy Clerk Jim Verbick and voters with disabilities will talk about voting…
City of Milwaukee Celebrates Disability Voting Rights Week Press Event
Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Claire Woodall-Vogg, Executive Director, City of Milwaukee Election Commission will kick off the celebration of Disability Voting Rights Week. The program will feature a demonstration of accessible voting and remarks from Scott Luber and Martha Chambers,…
Milwaukee County Voter Resource Fair
Sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, VoteRiders, Souls to the Polls, the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition and the League of Women Voters — Milwaukee County invites you to join us for our first-ever Voter Resource Fair. View the event…
Disability Voting Rights Week
Disability Voting Rights Week is September 12 – 16. Join us in this national effort to make sure disabled voters are registered, ready to vote, and have access to the ballot. Sign up as a partner in this national campaign…
Empowering the Disability Vote: Civic Engagement for the Disability Community and their Allies
Hosted by the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, LWV Wisconsin, and WI Disability Vote Coalition Event Information Voting issues go far beyond wheelchair accessibility at polling places. We’ll explore current challenges to voting. There are ways to deal…
DVC Lunch and Learn: Voting Rights Matter
Join the WI Disability Vote Coalition on Zoom for our next Lunch and Learn: Voting Rights Matter on September 15, from 11:30am to 12:30pm! A panel of voters with disabilities will share their experiences with voting rights such as using…
Guardianship and Voting: Preserving and Restoring the Right to Vote
Join us on Zoom to learn about voting rights for people under guardianship. We will discuss how voting rights are addressed in the guardianship process, and the process for restoring the right to vote. This training will provide information to…
August 9th: Resources for Voters with Disabilities
Tuesday, August 9, is Election Day in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition urges voters with disabilities to cast a ballot and participate in our democracy. Here are some key things to remember as you make your plan to vote:…
DVC in the News
Wisconsin voters with disabilities are in the news. Here is some recent coverage: WPR, July 26, 2022 Listen: What protections exist under the Americans with Disabilities Act? WUWM July 25, 2022 Disability Rights Wisconsin says new guidance disenfranchises disabled voters…
Process for Requesting an Accommodation for Ballot Return Assistance
Disability Rights Wisconsin is receiving questions from voters with disabilities about their rights to have assistance with mailing or delivery of their absentee ballot. Federal law protects the right of people with disabilities to have assistance mailing their ballot, and…
A Celebration of the ADA’s 32nd Anniversary and Its Impact on Voting Rights
Join the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition on Zoom as we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and discuss its impact on voting rights! We will hear from our keynote speaker, Charlotte Lanvers, a Trial Attorney from…
DRW Statement on Absentee Voting Protections
Absentee voting protections for people with disabilities after the Supreme Court of Wisconsin Teigen decision Updated: July 18, 2022 Following the Supreme Court of Wisconsin ruling on Teigen v WEC, Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has received many questions from voters…
Key Questions for Candidates for State Office – 2022 Elections
Here are key questions to ask candidates running for state offices such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senate and Assembly seats, during the 2022 elections. These questions cover and give background on topics such as adult long-term care services…
Key Questions for Congressional Candidates – 2022 Elections
Here are key questions to ask candidates running for congressional offices such as U.S. Senate and House of Representatives during the 2022 elections. These questions cover topics such as Medicaid programs and services, SSI/SSDI programs, caregivers, housing, access to mental…
Key Questions for Candidates – 2022 Elections
Election season is an important time to educate the candidates and the community about policy issues that are important to voters with disabilities. The Disability Vote Coalition is providing candidate questions and background for you to use to educate candidates…
Lunch and Learn: August 9th Primary Election Webinar
Join the WI Disability Vote Coalition on Zoom for our next Lunch and Learn on June 29th, from 11:30am to 12:30pm! Event Information We will discuss the August 9th, 2022 Partisan Primary and the following topics: What’s on the ballot…
Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition Products
This updated list of Disability Vote Coalitions products includes our fact sheets and other resources. You may print materials, or order copies by emailing info@disabilityvote.org. All materials are available at no charge. Social Media and Contact Info Like us on…
Voter Toolkit for 2022 Elections Now Available
2022 is an important election year with statewide elections on August 9th and November 8th. Our Voter Toolkit has the resources you need to be prepared to vote. The Toolkit can help you with voter registration, requesting an absentee ballot,…
Wisconsin voters with disabilities say their right to vote is at risk
National Public Radio came to Wisconsin to talk with voters with disabilities about how the Waukesha Circuit Court ruling banning ballot return assistance threatens their voting rights. In this story, voters, DRW and Law Forward speak candidly about how these…
Voter Toolkit – 2022 Elections
2022 is an important election year. Our Voter Toolkit has the resources you need to be prepared to vote. If you have questions or suggestions for the toolkit, email us at info@disabilityvote.org. Be prepared to vote – our fact sheet…
Make Your Plan to Vote: Aug 9th Primary and Nov 8th Fall Election
Be prepared to vote in the August 9th Primary and the November 8th Fall Election. The candidates elected this fall will have a big impact on your life – make sure your are prepared to vote! Our factsheet will walk…
DVC Public Comments to WEC on Statements of Scope
The Disability Vote Coalition submitted public comments to the Wisconsin Election Commission regarding draft statements of scope for administrative rules. The comments address training for poll workers and special voting deputies, approval and security of electronic voting equipment, polling place…
Our Voices, Our Votes: Disabled Voters Speak Out on Voting Rights
Disability Rights Wisconsin has released “Our Voices, Our Votes” to share the impact on voters with disabilities of a Waukesha County Court ruling that banned ballot return assistance and drop boxes. On April 13th, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments…
Now Hiring: DRW Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist
Disability Rights Wisconsin is now hiring for a Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist. This position is full-time and based in Wisconsin with in-person, hybrid, and remote options available. Are you interested in advancing the voting rights of people with disabilities in…
New Resource to Educate Policymakers about Special Education
The Disability Vote Coalition has a new document to provide candidates and policymakers with basic information about Special Education. School board members, legislators, and other elected officials have an important role in ensuring students with disabilities receive the services they…
Local Elections Matter Panel Discussion – WDVC – March 30, 2022
View the Local Elections Matter Forum recording on Youtube.
2022 Milwaukee Mayoral Candidate Forum Recording
View the 2022 Milwaukee Mayoral Candidate Forum recording on Youtube.
Voting Rights Advocacy Alert – Ban on Absentee Ballot Return Assistance
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition is very concerned about new barriers to voting rights that are in place for Wisconsin’s April 5th election. Learn more about the ban on absentee ballot return assistance and how you can take action by…
Court of Appeals Fact Sheet
Learn about what the Wisconsin Court of Appeals does and its importance for the up-coming state elections! This fact sheet explains what the roles of judges on the court and how their decisions affect Wisconsinites. View the Court of Appeals…
Disabled Voters Speak Out on Absentee Ballot Return Assistance Prohibition
The Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling on absentee ballot return assistance will disenfranchise some voters with disabilities. This story and a video in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feature Wisconsin voters who share how this ruling will restrict their right to vote.…
Transportation Resource for April 5th Election
Do you need a ride to the polls? The Disability Vote Coalition has resource that lists transportation options for election day. Plan ahead to find your ride – some require advance notice. Find your Ride to the Polls on April…
Panel Discussion: Local Elections Matter
The April 5th Spring Election is almost here! Join the Disability Vote Coalition on March 30th to hear why voting in local elections matters. Hear from a panel of disability advocates who have held local office about what motivated them…
March 9th Wisconsin Election Committee Public Testimony
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition provided public comments at the March 9th meeting of the Wisconsin Election Commission in support of the voting rights of people with disabilities and older adults. Read the WEC March 9th Testimony here (accessible PDF).
Voting News from the DVC
Newsletter Topics Include: Event information about “A Conversation about Voting Equity for People with Disabilities” livestream April 5th Election Tips Registration for Disability Advocacy Day Help is Available
Shining a Light on the Importance of Voting Local
Local elections matter! This new video features Stephanie Birmingham – a powerful advocate who is passionate about voters’ rights – talking with self advocates about why it’s important to vote in local elections. The Disability Vote Coalition partnered with the…
A Conversation About Voting Equity for Voters with Disabilities
Voting Equity for Voters with Disabilities will be the focus of a Facebook Live event on March 1 at 2 PM, as part of The Big Share, an all-day online fundraising event orchestrated by Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW). All 3 organizations are CSW members…
Absentee Voting in Wisconsin Factsheet – 2022 Elections
As the 2022 Elections approach, learn more about absentee voting. Do not delay and request your absentee ballot today! Our fact sheet walks you through the process of requesting and filling out absentee ballots step-by-step. View the Absentee Voting in…