GOTV - Get Out the Vote Project

2006 GOTV Year in Review

The Missouri Disability Vote Project had another successful year of getting out the disability vote statewide. The project reports that approximately 47,000 of its 64,000 identified potential voters were contacted specifically for the purpose of voter registration prior to the election. Over 50,000 potential voters were contacted with at least one mailing and at least one phone call, and over 45,000 were contacted in-person by organizational staff about the importance of voting. 12 organizations planned or participated in a local candidate forum focused on disability issues. 7 organizations created and distributed a voter guide based on candidate questionnaires addressing disability issues. 16 organizations offered transportation to the polls, through either their organization's accessible buses or by referral.

In 2006, the Missouri Disability Vote Project shifted its focus to improving its membership development and member satisfaction, and the project has seen early signs of success as members report improved satisfaction with their participation in the coalition and the percentage of total identified potential voters receiving GOTV contacts increased. Early estimates indicate that as many as 82% of identified potential voters were contacted at least once by at least one coalition member in 2006, up from the approximately 40% reported in 2004. 2006 was a year of enormous growth showing great potential for the Missouri Disability Vote Project to bolster its long-term sustainability and become a powerful unifying force in the disability community.