Wondering about preliminary elections? September has several preliminary elections across MA. DLC ED, Barbara I’talien and DLC Voting Advocate, Brianna Zimmerman released Voting Rights – 2025 Preliminary Elections, a podcast to demystify what a preliminary election is, how to register and vote, and your disability rights. If you would prefer to read the information, there a transcript available to download.
Category Archives: News
Webinar Recording: Engaging Candidates, Ways for Nonprofits to Build Community Power
RevUpMA members attended this webinar and found it very helpful. One of the most compelling features was its attention to young voters.
This webinar was presented by Nonprofit Vote, and is not affiliated with RevUp.
What the webinar is about
Now more than ever, our communities need to be seen and heard. As rapid changes happen across the country, engaging candidates is one way nonprofits can bring lived experiences to the table – and invite candidates to listen.
Topics covered:
- Why and how to host a candidate forum
- Ideas to engage candidates beyond forums like meet and greets
- Common challenges – like low candidate response rates or coalition dynamics – and how to navigate them
- How events can help voters feel more “in the know” and empowered
The Video
Resources from Nonprofit Vote related to webinar
- Google Slides Presentation (Note this was a panel-style discussion, not training!)
- Nonprofit VOTE Candidate Engagement Resources including Timelines, Planning templates…etc
- League of Women Voters Vote411
- North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
- Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC)
- GCC’s “Action”, a spin on forums that holds candidates accountable to community priorities!
Democracy is a Disability Issue at the Museum of Science (or virtual)
The Museum of Science and Perkins School for the Blind team up for this program highlighting how end-to-end accessibility is crucial for civic engagement.
Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 pm
Register online for virtual or in-person event. The virtual link will be provided later.
In a true democracy, everyone can participate equally. Explore how end-to-end accessibility — of media, voting processes and more — is essential for full civic participation of people with disabilities.
How might — and should — systems enable::
- People with blindness / low vision to engage with political information from maps/data visualizations?
- People with auditory and / or language processing issues to participate in community forums, town halls, and meetings with policymakers, amid the lack of standardized, real-time, high-quality captioning?
- People with neurocognitive disabilities to discern mis/disinformation, in order to make informed civic decisions?
Voting Rights News from AAPD
AAPD Explains Executive Order
American Association of People with Disabilities, AAPD published a great article on March 25, 2025 titled Election Executive Order Explainer: What’s Going On With Voting Right Now, and How Does It Impact Disabled Voters? A few parts are excerpted below, but please read the whole article!
“This EO proposes many changes to how our elections work, including voter eligibility, maintaining voter registration lists, vote-by-mail processes, which voting machines can be used, and who is responsible for managing elections. AAPD is highly concerned that if any aspects of this EO go into effect, voters with disabilities and other marginalized communities will be disproportionately harmed. Already, disabled voters face increased challenges in accessing their right to vote because of policies and practices that make voting difficult. The policies in this Executive Order are voter suppression tactics – policies that make it harder for many Americans to vote. “
What Does the Elections Executive Order Say?
- Requires proof of citizenship to vote – Millions of American citizens do not have access to the documents required by this law, which means that millions of eligible voters would not be able to participate in our democracy. Disabled people, older adults, voters of color, and voters who may have changed their names, like people who take their spouses’ names when they get married, are less likely to have these documents or have up-to-date documents.
- Changes vote-by-mail procedures proposes that mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if they are postmarked with an earlier date, cannot be counted.
- Changes voting machine types and certification processes – The EO wants to limit the types of voting machines that polling locations are allowed to use and proposes that the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) re-certify all voting systems. The EO notes an exception for accommodating people with disabilities. The EO also requires that all voting methods have a “voter-verifiable paper record.”
Paper ballots are not accessible to some voters with disabilities, particularly individuals who are blind, have low vision, have difficulty reading or understanding print, or cannot physically hold their ballots. - Attempts to direct an independent bipartisan entity – The EO directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to carry out and enforce the administration’s proposed policies.
- Establishes federal voter rolls – The EO directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to review state voter registration lists, specifically to verify that no ineligible voters are on them. Under current federal law, state governments and Secretaries of State are responsible for maintaining voter lists.
AAPD Explains the SAVE ACT
The article goes on to describe the SAVE Act which Congress is considering.
“If passed, the SAVE Act would require people to provide documented proof of citizenship in person when registering to vote and updating their voter registration, such as after a move. The SAVE Act would also make it harder for women who changed their last name after marriage.
Millions of voters do not have access to documents that would sufficiently meet the requirements that qualify as “documentary proof of citizenship,” such as U.S. passports. People with disabilities, older adults, and people of color may be especially unlikely to have access to these documents. The requirement of needing to go in person would make voter registration difficult or impossible for many disabled voters who do not have access to accessible transportation, are living in congregate settings, are immuno-compromised and cannot go into many public spaces, or for whom the election office may not be accessible. Additionally, the in-person requirement would make it extremely difficult for individual organizers, coalitions, and organizations to host successful voter registration drives. This would lead to communities already excluded by get-out-the-vote efforts being further neglected.
AAPD urges members of the disability community and our allies to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators to tell them to vote “no” on the SAVE Act.
AAPD is the national organizer of REV UP!
REV UP MA 2024 Disability Voting Webinar
This year’s webinar on October 22, 2024, included information about preparing for the upcoming election, legal rights of Massachusetts voters, Accessible Electronic Vote by Mail, and accessibility requirements of polling places across Massachusetts. Stay tuned for a link to the video!
Agenda
- Introduction by Brianna Zimmerman, Voting Rights Advocate, Disability Law Center
- Massachusetts Voters’ Rights by Brianna Zimmerman
- Accessible Electronic Vote by Mail in Massachusetts by Tatum Pritchard, Director of Litigation, Disability Law Center
- Overview of Accessible Polling Places by Tom Murphy, Supervising Attorney, Disability Law Center
- Tips for Advocating for Accessible Polling Places by Rick Glassman, Director of Advocacy, Disability Law Center
- Questions & Answers
Volunteer to Survey Polling Places
Be an Advocate for Accessible Polling Sites!
The Disability Law Center is coordinating and collating surveys on Polling sites. If you would like to participate, please see their Training Video on Volunteering to Survey (scroll to bottom of page), and Sign Up to Volunteer to Survey. They will direct you to links for an online short form survey and an online long form survey.
You can download the long survey (pdf) if you prefer to use paper.
Volunteer to Survey Polling Places 2024
Be an Advocate for Accessible Polling Sites!
The Disability Law Center is coordinating and collating surveys on Polling sites. If you would like to participate, please see their Training Video on Volunteering to Survey (scroll to bottom of page), and Sign Up to Volunteer to Survey.
There are two versions of the online survey:
If you prefer to use paper:
Besides the volunteer surveys, we recommend that everyone use the AutoMark machine. Every site is required to have a private, working AutoMark, as well as a poll worker who can help you understand how to use it. You do not have to need the AutoMark, everyone has the right to use it.
Ongoing Voter Rights, Access and Registration Drives
- ILC Statewide Conference, September 17th Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel Marlborough, DLC Table and voter registration
- BCIL Anniversary event, September 21stat Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. DLC information and voter registration
- Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities 2nd annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month event- “Accessible Democracy: Every Vote Counts” Wednesday, October 23, 11-12 pm at the Statehouse. Target audience includes election officials, disability advocates, community organizers, legal experts, policymakers, voters with disabilities, and the public interested in enhancing voting accessibility and promoting civic engagement
- MASS Self Advocacy Conference– Saturday, October 26th Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel Marlborough 10-5 table/ one hour breakout session on How to Vote.
Voting Seminars by The Arc of Massachusetts
Your Right to Vote (Webinar 1 of 2)
Wednesday, August 14 @ 12:00PM
Voting is one of our most sacred rights. Yet historically, the disabled community has not been well represented at the voting booth. Join Jose Lopez, The Arc’s Policy Officer, for a voting rights webinar on Wednesday, August 14 at noon to learn about your options and timelines for voting. For democracy to succeed, we need people to participate in the process. If we are to continue to make positive changes for the disabled communities we serve, we need informed citizens voting to elect those leaders who best represent their values and priority concerns. To do that, you must vote!
Register for Your Right to Vote
Why Voting Matters (Webinar 2 of 2)
Wednesday, August 28 @ 12:00PM
Many are saying the upcoming election will be one of the most important election cycles in a generation. Now more than ever, we need informed citizens using their vote to elect leaders who best represent their interests. Join Jackie Doherty, The Arc’s new Director of Education and Outreach, for a webinar to explore Voting Matters on Wednesday, August 28 at noon. Jackie will be joined by panelists Henry Milorin, Elections Commissioner from Medford and parent of an adult son with autism, and Jim White, Past Chair of the Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA and Election Poll Inspector for the City of Boston.
How to Hold a Voter Registration Drive
Preparation
Providers Council has a CareVote page with lots of information and tools. Included is a checklist which has preparation suggestions, lists of supplies, and other information on How to Host a Voter Registration Table.
We recommend you also bring printed voter registration forms for anyone without an id, or anyone who does not like online forms. Envelopes and stamps for mailing these registrations are also good to have.
We also recommend you bring a tablet or laptop for people who do not want to register on their phones. You will need either WIFI or a hotspot capability to register online.
Tips for hosting accessible events and meetings by the MA Office on Disability
Register
First look up your applicant on the state website at Find My Voter Registration, and see if they are already registered. Maybe they simply need to update their address.
If they are not registered, review the voter registration requirements.
- Citizen of the United States
- At least 16 years old (note – one is considered pre-registered and may not vote until 18)
- Resident of Massachusetts
- Not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction.
Next, determine whether they can register online, using a drivers license or state id or last 4 digits of their Social Security Number.
- If they have the id,
- they can register on-line using their own phone. Stand by to assist!
- they may prefer a larger screen, in which case you can help them with a tablet or laptop if you have brought those along.
- If they do not have an id, or do not like working online
- Use a printed voter registration page (you can print these yourself, or get some from a town clerk.) Some people may want you to actually fill out the form. Be prepared to provide applicants with the address of their town clerk, or to submit their registration forms yourself.
- They can complete the registration on-line form, knowing that they will need to print it…
- For registering voters without an id, let them know they may be asked for some id the first time they vote. See the State’s Identification Requirements page.
Accessible Electronic Vote by Mail
Accessible Electronic Vote by Mail is new and underutilized. If you meet a person who needs this mechanism for voting, please share information on it. The deadline to apply is October 29 at 5 p.m.
If you are unable to independently mark a ballot due to vision impairments, mobility, or dexterity limitations, you can request to receive, complete, and return your ballot electronically in the 2024 Elections.
- To access the Accessible Vote by Mail system, you must first submit a completed Accessible Vote by Mail Application online or download the application, then email/fax or print and mail to your local election office. *Note: You can sign your application by typing your name if you have a disability that prevents you from signing independently.
- To apply and complete a ballot, you will need to provide an email address
- After applying, you will receive an email with instructions and a unique access pin number.
For more information and instructional videos on Accessible Vote by Mail, visit the Democracy Live: OmniBallot Portal.
STAVROS – Voter Registration Drive and Disabilities Voting Rights Education Workshop
Press Release: August 2024
Stavros Center for Independent Living Advocates for Disabilities Voting Rights Week in Massachusetts**
Amherst, MA — Stavros Center for Independent Living (CIL) is proud to announce its ongoing efforts to have the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local communities recognize September 9th to the 13th, 2024, as Disabilities Voting Rights Week. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the voting rights of individuals with disabilities and to ensure their full participation in the electoral process.
We are thrilled to report that the cities of Northampton, Amherst, Easthampton, and Holyoke have already issued proclamations recognizing this important week. These proclamations signify a collective commitment to supporting the voting rights of people with disabilities within these communities.
To kick off Disabilities Voting Rights Week, Stavros CIL will be hosting a Voter Registration Drive and Disabilities Voting Rights Education Workshop at our Amherst office on September 9th. During this event, the mayors of Northampton, Amherst, Easthampton, and Holyoke will present their respective proclamations, reinforcing their dedication to this cause.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, September 9th, 2024
- Location: Stavros Center for Independent Living, 210 Old Farm Rd, Amherst, MA 01002
- Activities: Voter Registration Drive and Disabilities Voting Rights Education Workshop
- Presentations: Proclamations by the mayors of Northampton, Amherst, Easthampton, and Holyoke
We invite the community to join us in this pivotal event to learn more about the rights of voters with disabilities and to register to vote.
For more information, please contact Brianna Zimmerman (she/her), Systems Change Advocate at Stavros Center for Independent Living at her Work Phone: (413) 256-0473 Extension 121