The EveryLibrary Institute is thrilled to announce the release of our new Disability Voting Rights Week - Library Partnership Guide developed for our VoteLibraries initiative in partnership with the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD). This essential resource is designed to help libraries across the country actively participate in Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), taking place from September 9–13, 2024, and to support ongoing civic engagement efforts for people with disabilities throughout the year.
People with disabilities represent a significant and powerful voting bloc in the United States, yet they often face unique challenges when it comes to voting. Ensuring that these citizens have full access to the democratic process is not just a legal obligation but a civic imperative. Libraries, as trusted community hubs, are in a prime position to lead the way in promoting accessible and inclusive voter registration efforts.
Download the 2024 Disability Voting Rights Week Guide for Libraries.
About the Guide
Our guide is packed with actionable tips and resources for libraries to create or enhance their outreach to local disability groups, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to register and vote. Here’s how your library can get involved:
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Educational Outreach: Develop or refine materials to educate local disability groups about voter registration and their rights.
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On-Site Voter Registration Events: Host voter registration drives in collaboration with nonpartisan partner organizations during DVRW, where permitted by local law.
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Staff Training: Consider training library staff to become Registrars of Voters, enabling your library to offer on-site voter registration throughout the year.
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Civic Education Events: Host events that educate the public about DVRW and highlight the barriers voters with disabilities often face.
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Candidate Forums on Disability Issues: Organize forums that focus on the stances of candidates regarding disability rights and issues, giving voters with disabilities the information they need to make informed choices on Election Day.
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Digital Organizing: Use digital platforms to raise awareness about disability voting rights and engage with your community.
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Engaging with Elected Officials: Advocate for the protection and enhancement of disability voting rights by engaging with elected officials.
By signing up as a library partner for DVRW, you’ll receive our comprehensive guide, along with expert resources from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and their nationally recognized REV UP Campaign. These resources will equip your library to support the full political participation of people with disabilities and to lead the way in civic engagement within your community.
Get Started Today
Join the movement and help ensure that every member of your community can participate fully in our democracy. Add your library to the list of partners and download the Disability Voting Rights Week Guide for Libraries.
