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

People with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities living in Minnesota have the right to vote and can utilize accessibility services to exercise this right.

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

Voting is an important exercise in making your voice heard! Justin Dart, who is considered the father of the American Disabilities Act, once said, “Vote as if your life depended on it… because it does.”

Accessible Resources for Self Advocates:

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

• Voting Project | National Down Syndrome Congress

• Arc Guide to Voting - The Arc Minnesota

References:

• Minnesota DHS- Voting Rights for People with Disabilities: PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE!