Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the REV UP. DVRW is about advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. Learn more about DVRW here. In 2024, DVRW is the week of September 9-13.
The REV UP Voting Campaign builds the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations. REV UP’s mission is to build the power of the disability vote through increasing civic engagement in the disability community and improving the accessibility of elections. REV UP stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!” Learn more about REV UP here. Know Your Rights. Cast Your Vote. Use Your Power. You have the power to create change! Voting is the most fundamental way to voice your opinion in a democracy. Learn more on our Civic Engagement webpage here.
Please read on to hear a personal story about voting from one of our staff members.
Voting
by Kimberly Gatewood
My name is Kimberly Gatewood. I am a black woman with disabilities. I started voting at the age of 18. What voting means to me is that it gives me a voice to be heard. I can vote for the person I choose to vote for. It is important to me to see which candidate is going to help the people in the disability community.
If you need to know where to go vote, I can give you some information to get you on your way! And if this is your first time going to vote, I will share some helpful links below.
In August, I found that I lost my voter registration card. I realized I had to get a new one. It was as easy as calling the Elections Division at the Secretary of State’s office. When I called, the staff listened to me and helped connect me to my County Clerk. Your County Clerk is who can help you replace your voter registration card. The clerk’s office took care of me, and my new card is on the way. I will leave the information for you in case you lose your card, or it gets stolen, so that you can call to get a new one.
For Arkansas voters:
Arkansas Secretary of State- Elections Division https://www.SOS.arkansas.gov/elections/for-voters
Phone: 501-682-5070
Toll-free Phone (for those outside the Little Rock area): 1-800-482-1127
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Arkansas Secretary of State
State Capitol, Suite 256
500 Woodlane Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Check out this link for more details on how to vote in Arkansas: https://www.SOS.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-inmation/voter-registration-information/voting-in-arkansas
Find your County Clerk here – County Clerk Search
REV UP has some voting guides and other resources made for people with disabilities. Below are links to their resources:
More REV UP resources click here
ASAN is the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. They offer this easy-read voter education document to teach you the meaning of words about voting and elections.
Words to Know (Easy Read Edition)
Questions You May Have
Can I vote in Arkansas if I have an intellectual disability?
Yes.
Can I vote if I have a guardian?
Check with your P&A (Protection and Advocacy Organization). Standard guardianship agreement language in Arkansas removes the disabled individual’s right to vote. Check with your guardian to see if your right to vote has been taken away. Let your guardian know if you want to vote and ask to have the right restored. If they don’t support you, contact Disability Rights Arkansas.
How do I talk to my P&A?
The Arkansas P&A is called Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA).
Phone: 1-800-482-1174
Email: [email protected]
Website: disabilityrightsar.org
DRA Voting Rights Resources (includes videos) https://disabilityrightsar.org/voting-rights/
