SAM (Self Advocates Minnesota), The Arc Minnesota Southwest, and SMILES Center for Independent Living are teaming up to present Non Partisan Voter Education for People with disabilities. The free workshop will address issues on the upcoming ballot such as Guardianship and Voter ID. Voter ID creates barriers for voters with disabilities. SMILES agrees with the position of the Arc Minnesota: “Voter ID laws create unnecessary barriers and burdens for Minnesota voters with disabilities and would prevent them from exercising their right to vote. If such laws are approved in Minnesota, they will likely decrease voting among people with disabilities, not increase the integrity of our electoral system and procedures. The Arc Minnesota opposes the voter ID proposals passed by the Legislature and urges Minnesotans to vote no on the voter ID amendment scheduled to be on this fall’s general election ballot.”
According to the League of Women Voters Minnesota, ten percent of voters with disabilities do not have a photo ID. This could affect as many as 27,000 Minnesotans with disabilities. Even if the IDs are provided “free,” people will incur costs to travel to the county or state office, and present documentation to prove their identity, such as a birth certificate. It costs $26.00 to have a copy of one’s birth certificate made in Minnesota. People should not have to pay to ensure their civil right to vote.
The Voter ID amendment changes the Constitution of Minnesota to limit the right to vote only to people who have an ID. The right to vote is a protected constitutional right, unlike other, ordinary activities of choice such as buying liquor or driving a car. Voting is how we participate in democracy. People should not have to pay to ensure their civil right to vote.
Sign up for the October 18 workshop to learn more about the Voter ID amendment, Guardianship and How to find your polling place. You must register to participate, and you must RSVP by October 12 for the light supper of pizza and a beverage before the workshop. Please let us know when you register and RSVP if you will need accommodations due to disabilities. Call Michelle at 507-345-7139 or Claudia at 507-345-4223 to register and RSVP or use this contact form.
Download this flyer for Non Partisan Voter Education for People with Disabilities: 