San Rafael, CA – Registered voters of all abilities need to have full access to the election process. The challenges associated with aging, mobility, or other physical issues can’t get in the way of casting a vote.
Registrar of Voters Lynda Roberts (top) and her staff have worked hard to make voting accessible to everyone regardless of physical challenges.In preparation for National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW) September 13-17 & 20, the Marin County Elections Department and the nonprofit Marin Center for Independent Living have planned an online town hall meeting at 1:30 p.m. September 1 to focus on empowering voters with disabilities and senior voters by encouraging communities to create a voter registration event.
The town hall meeting will include national speakers from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the statewide Disability Network (DO Network) to empower and engage attendees. Elections Department officials will describe the many voter services available for voters with disabilities.
“This nonpartisan event is meant to inspire and engage the community by expanding civic participation through voter registration,” said Veda Florez, Communications Outreach Consultant for the Elections Department. “The event is for anyone who wants to help engage the community and increase voter participation.”
An online toolkit and physical toolkit will be available after the meeting for individuals and organizations interested in creating their own voter registration event during the week of September 13-17, & 20. The online toolkit features timelines, fast facts and a QR code to direct individuals to register online. The physical toolkit will include voter registration forms as well as a trifold handout featuring services for voters with disabilities.
The Elections Department has participated in NDVRW since 2017. In 2018, the Marin County Board of Supervisors recognized NDVRW in Marin County with a proclamation. In past years, Florez has planned as many as 11 simultaneous events to assist with voter registration during NDVRW. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be virtual.
NDVRW is a national, nonpartisan campaign to register, educate, and prepare voters with disabilities for the 2021 elections and beyond. NDVRW is coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP! voting campaign. REV UP! stands for Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!
Those interested in participating in the September 1 town hall meeting will need to sign-up in advance. Email Florez for a link to the online toolkit and for more information on holding an NDVRW event.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the Digital Access staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.