Disability Voting Rights

Voting Rights for People with Down syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities in Minnesota

Voting is an important way to make your voice heard! As Justin Dart, often considered the father of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), once said, “Vote as if your life depended on it… because it does.”

People with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities who live in Minnesota have the right to vote. They can also access a variety of accessibility services and supports to help them exercise their right to vote and participate in the voting process. DSAMn’s Family Connector team has gathered the information below to help our community better understand voting rights and find resources available to assist with this.

From Minnesota DHS:

1. You have the right to vote. If you are a person with a developmental disability and understand what it means to vote, Federal law guarantees your right to vote. The law that gives you that right: The Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Doe v. Rowe, 156 F.Supp.2d 35 (D.Me.2001).

2. You can vote if you are under guardianship. If you are under guardianship, you are still eligible to vote UNLESS a court order revokes that right. The law that gives you that right: Minnesota Statute § 201.014, subd. 2

3. You have the right to get help to vote from a person YOU choose. If you are unable to read or need help voting because of your disability, you can have someone help you vote. You can bring a friend, family member or someone else you trust.

4. You can ask an election judge to help you vote if you do not bring anyone with you. The law that gives you that right: The Voting Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §§1973aa-6; The Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12132; Minnesota Statute §204C.15, subd. 1

Accessible Resources for Self Advocates:

• Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S. - Autistic Self Advocacy Network

• Arc Guide to Voting - The Arc Minnesota