Missouri Disability Vote Project

About The Missouri Disability Vote Project

The disability community is one of the largest minority constituencies in the country, but it is the least mobilized voting bloc. People with disabilities make up over 20% of society, yet vote at a rate that is typically anywhere from 15 to 35% below that of the general population, and at least 40% below that of more organized minority constituencies. Because of this lack of a consistent, mobilized voting bloc, people with disabilities have limited access to the policymakers responsible for decisions that affect the lives of and services available to people with disabilities. This lack of political power is evidenced by disproportionate poverty and unemployment rates between people with disabilities and the general population; two-thirds of people with disabilities live below the federal poverty line, and 85% are unemployed or underemployed.

The Missouri Disability Vote Project (MDVP) was established by Paraquad in 2001 to increase voter turnout and registration rates within the disability community. The statewide, 501(c)(3), grassroots project is comprised of a coalition of 30 disability-focused organizations conducting nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns targeting potential voters with disabilities. In 2006, the Missouri Disability Vote Project contacted approximately 70,000 voters with disabilities statewide. 70% of the registered voters contacted cast their ballots in November 2006 - a 17% increase over the last midterm election and well above the turnout rate of the general population. As we continue to build a strong disability voting bloc in Missouri, the Missouri Disability Vote Project is creating a basis of power for people with disabilities to improve their quality of life through social change and self-advocacy.

Missouri Disability Vote Project Member Organizations

Organizations that become part of the Missouri Disability Vote Project make increased voter turnout an organizational priority. These organizations commit valuable staff time and other resources to coordinating an internal, nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign. This campaign involves a series of organized member contacts, mostly through volunteer phone banks and direct mail, to encourage their members to vote. Our organizations across the state are also registering people with disabilities to vote, educating Missourians on the voting rights of people with disabilities, advocating for accessible polling sites and voting equipment, educating new voters, sponsoring candidate forums and local events, and offering rides to the polls on Election Day.