Secretary of State’s Office conducts workshop in Jasper County

The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office partnered with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council to conduct a workshop earlier this week at the Jasper County Courthouse to help military veterans and Iowans with disabilities participate in elections.

The 45-minute workshop is part of a 21-city tour around the state aimed at providing information about voting to any Iowan who has a disability or cares for someone with a disability.

“The thing we hear the most is that people with disabilities don’t feel like their voice is being heard. One of the easiest ways to make their voice heard is by voting. Not just in presidential election years, but in school board and city elections, and any time an issue that impacts your community is on the ballot,” said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate.

“Individuals living with disabilities have long been underrepresented in electoral politics but changes in state and federal laws over the years are making elections more available and accessible to all voters. The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to partner with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate to conduct workshops around the state to assist voters with disabilities to remove any remaining barriers to their full participation in the 2016 election,” said Rik Shannon, public policy manager with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council.

These workshops provide Iowans with disabilities with an opportunity to ask questions and to learn about the recent changes that make it possible for all voters, regardless of ability, to cast their ballot and have their voice heard.

Resources to help Iowans with disabilities vote can be found at sos.iowa.gov/disabilities.