It's Disability Voting Week! What Do You Need to Know?
Voting is for all!
As the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia approach, what better way to start the school year than by talking about accessible voting during Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW)? Let’s dive in!
What is Disability Voting Rights Week?
Disability Voting Rights Week is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the REV UP campaign. It’s all about celebrating community, advocacy, and building power to ensure disabled voices are heard at the ballot box. This year, DVRW runs from September 8–12.
Why is DVRW important?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 40.2 million disabled Americans are eligible to vote. That makes us one of the largest voting blocs in the country. Yet, many disabled voters continue to face barriers such as:
Inaccessible polling places
Lack of accessible information about voting rights
Confusing or outdated voting systems
And even more.
While policymakers and government agencies have taken steps to improve accessibility, barriers remain. So, DVRW is about breaking down these challenges by educating disabled voters about their rights, promoting voter registration, and empowering both new and experienced voters to make their voices count.
How can you get involved?
Here are some great ways to take action this week and beyond:
✅ Attend a local or virtual voting rights event
📖 Learn about the history of voting and disability rights
🏛️ Connect with your state’s Protection & Advocacy (P&A) System for information on your voting rights: https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/. In NJ, you can visit Disability Rights NJ’s website: https://disabilityrightsnj.org/
📢 Share resources with friends, classmates, or community members to encourage them to vote
🗳️ Make sure you’re registered to vote and help others do the same! The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Always remember that your voice and vote matter! Voting is a way to express our thoughts and opinions about who’s representing us! Every voice matters in America, and we need to come together to ensure that our rights are protected. Let’s work together to make sure elections are accessible for all!
Love, Enable Everything!
Sources:
http://nj.gov/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/number-people-disabilities-growing-and-they-are-voting-greater-numbers#:~:text=1%20in%206%20eligible%20voters,Rutgers%20Program%20for%20Disability%20Research.
https://arcminnesota.org/celebrate-disability-voting-rights-week-dvrw-2024/
*This is the opinion of Enable Everything. Please fact check everything.*