Voting is a fundamental right—but for many Delawareans with disabilities, that right is still not fully accessible. While laws exist to ensure fully accessible voting environments, enforcement and implementation remain inconsistent.
Voters with disabilities are still less likely to vote than voters without disabilities, even though the gap has narrowed since the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was passed. An additional 67+ million voters either have a disability or live in a household with someone who does, meaning accessibility impacts a very large share of the electorate.
In recent federal surveys, about 1 in 5 voters with disabilities reported needing assistance or experiencing difficulty when voting. That rate is about three times higher than voters without disabilities.
Join us for a powerful community discussion focused on the real-world barriers voters with disabilities face, from physical accessibility challenges at polling places to gaps in policy enforcement and awareness.
This conversation brings together advocates, experts, and lived experience to explore what is working, what is failing, and what must change to ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot with dignity, independence, and confidence.
Panelists
Emmanuel Jenkins – Community Relations Officer, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC)
Carol King-Ries – Board Member, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI Delaware); Member, National Federation of the Blind of Delaware
Heidi Mizell – Certified Family Peer Specialist & Family Navigator, Autism Delaware
Key Issues We’ll Explore
Accessibility barriers at polling places across Delaware
Why ADA compliance is still inconsistent in practice
The gap between disability rights law and real-world enforcement
Transportation, communication, and assistive technology barriers
How caregivers and families navigate voting access challenges
Current Delaware policy efforts impacting voters with disabilities:
This conversation is designed for individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers and support networks, disability rights advocates and organizations, independent living centers and special education communities, healthcare and social service professionals, civic engagement and voting rights organizations, government officials and ADA coordinators, as well as faith-based groups, veterans, and community leaders.
Whether you directly experience accessibility barriers or work alongside those who do, we invite you to attend this important conversation and share the registration link with your network to help expand awareness and participation.
Register for this online event at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9BWtiFWgSnq_Keq5JPZlfw#/registration