Disabilities Voting Rights Week advocated in Mass

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Stavros Center for Independent Living is advocating for ‘Disabilities Voting Rights Week’ in Massachusetts.

Let’s just say the Stavros Center and other community leaders are working together to ensure that everyone does not miss the chance to vote.

To kick off disabilities voting rights week— the Stavros Center for Independent Living is Advocating for voting rights for those with disabilities through a voter registration drive and a voting rights education workshop.

CEO of the Stavros Center Angelina Ramirez tells 22News, “People with disabilities many times there are many laws that protect the rights and it is very important for people to be able to exercise those rights and vote for things that will help them in the future.”

Whether there’s an upcoming election or not the center works all year round to advocate for the voting rights of people with disabilities. This week puts a special focus on raising awareness of the voting rights for those with disabilities and making sure that they can put in their votes and let their voices be heard in every election.

The Director of Development and Communication at the Stavros Center Jason Montgomery says people with disabilities face many challenges when it comes to voting and it’s important to meet their needs. “It can be as simple as ‘is there a ramp or a door wide enough or do you have assistance to get you inside the building and do you have assistance to get into the voting booth,” says Montgomery.

The cities of Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, and Easthampton have already issued proclamations to recognize this week. “This is exciting to see the community and state partners talking about how we are going to get this done with folks at Stavros who are boots on the ground getting it done every day,” Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle adds.

The Stavros Center says these efforts show the dedication to this important cause.

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Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work.

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