Arapahoe County Elections and Denver nonprofit Developmental Pathways hosted their annual “Ballot Bingo” event at the Brewability Lab brewery in Englewood on Thursday, Oct. 3. The event is in its third year of helping voting-age adults with disabilities register to vote, learn about upcoming ballot issues, and prepare to cast a ballot.
“Democracy works best when everyone who is eligible to vote has the opportunity to vote,” said Joan Lopez, Arapahoe County clerk and recorder. “These voters have the same rights as any other voters, we just want them to have the tools and information they need to cast their ballots.”
Arapahoe County elections officials have made educating the public about accessible voting options a focus in the past two years, creating informational materials and videos to explain voters’ accessibility options.
Such options include audio, high-contrast or large-print ballots for visually impaired voters, adapters that interface with “sip and puff” devices, and other technology and assistance available to voters.
Citing obstacles to the ballot box that voters with disabilities often encounter, Developmental Pathways has been creating nonpartisan voter engagement campaigns since 2020, to encourage adults with disabilities to register, educate themselves about candidates and issues, and vote.
“Research indicates that individuals with disabilities tend to vote less frequently than their non-disabled counterparts, despite being equally—and often more—impacted by governmental decisions,” said Developmental Pathways Associate Director of Disability Policy Kim Tenure.
“We want all voters, especially those with disabilities, to recognize their power: get registered to vote, educate yourself on the issues, and understand that your voice truly matters.”