It’s election season, and you can’t miss the signs. Calls, mailings, yard signs and debates greet us at every turn. Most of us know our polling place and will exercise our right to vote on November 6th. But have you ever thought about what it’s like for a person with a disability to access the polls and vote? Did you know that the State of Wisconsin is a leader in accessible voting for its citizens?
Goodwill and the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition held a Voter Presentation and Learning Session at the James O. Wright Center for Work and Training in Milwaukee. Goodwill employees and individuals receiving Goodwill services were encouraged to attend and learn about accessible voting. Voter registration assistance also was provided. The goal of this nonpartisan effort was to increase electoral participation of people with disabilities.
In addition, the City of Milwaukee Election Commission graciously provided an “AutoMark” accessible voting machine, which individuals could use as practice for actual voting. City of Milwaukee employee Elvin Momon demonstrated interest and patience in helping attendees understand the machine and voting procedures and options.
“For a person with a disability, sometimes the unknown can be scary. To be able to see a voting machine and practice takes some of that fear out of the process. People with disabilities want to participate in the electoral process, and with this training are able to do so just like everyone else,” says Christine Schulz, Manager of Community Employment and Connection.
According to Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights of Wisconsin, “We want voters of all abilities to be aware of their voting rights, to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to exercise their vote.” In Wisconsin, there are over 340,000 people with disabilities who are eligible to vote.
For more information on our programs for people with disabilities, please contact Christine Schulz, Manager of Community Employment and Connection, at (414) 847-1954 or Christine.Schulz@goodwillsew.com.
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