This summer, our League’s DEIA and Voter Services Committees are partnering with the Center for Independent Living to support voting rights of people with disabilities.
“Our goal is to help people with disabilities lead independent lives and exercise their precious right to vote,” said Marilyn Baldwin, co-chair of the League’s DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility) Committee.
They are celebrating two milestones this summer.
On July 26, they participated in a commemoration of the 34th birthday of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, which promotes legal protection and access for people with disabilities. The event was sponsored by the Center for Independent Living. Attending (shown above left) were LWVOC President Kathy Schmitz; Alicia Homrich-Voter Services volunteer and DEIA member, DEIA Chairs Marilyn Baldwin and Virginia Meany.
In her remarks, Marilyn emphasized the importance of voting and helping our elected officials be more aware of programs and accessible services needed by persons with disabilities.
Marilyn also demonstrated use of an accessible voting machine provided in Orange County by the Supervisor of Elections office. (shown above right with Sederia Ogden)
These machines are available in Orange County polling places, are equipped with headphones, and can orally read the ballot to blind voters, said Gina Hall, co-chair of Voter Services Committee. “At the precincts where I volunteer, we also set up a half voting booth so a person can wheel up to the table and mark their ballot from their wheelchair,” Gina said.
Also, Sept 9-13 the group will help celebrate national Disability Voting Rights Week, supporting laws and actions that help people with disabilities exercise their right to vote.
“We want to encourage everyone to please use your right to vote, especially the disability community and our family and friends who are living with people disabilities,” Marilyn said.