Minnesota Disability Law Center asks for public’s help at polling sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Minneapolis, Minn.) — The Voter Access Project of the Minnesota Disability Law Center, a division of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, along with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, seeks the public’s help to ensure people with disabilities can access the polls this election cycle.

“We are asking Minnesotans to volunteer to help spot barriers to voting,” says MDLC Attorney Chad Wilson, “and we’re making it easy. Simply complete a short sign-up form and train online. The time commitment is one hour at each polling site.”

Participants can choose to help at one or more sites. The first opportunity to volunteer is primary election day, Tuesday, Aug. 11. The next will be during the general election, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Wilson also welcomes invitations from neighborhood groups and community organizations who’d like him to offer Voter Rights presentations. “Our goal is to protect the constitutional rights of voters, ensuring everyone has a say in the democratic process — one of the most meaningful ways to participate in the community.”

MDLC is a state-wide organization and encourages voter participation in every county in Minnesota.

Start the process:

• Sign up to volunteer
• Invite MDLC to present | Call MDLC to present: 1-800-262-4150

Volunteer requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Complete volunteer training.
• Adhere to guidance from MDLC on scope and purpose of project.
• Conduct surveys at the polls, Aug. 11 (Primary) and/or Nov. 3 (General).
• Spend :45 minutes to 1 hour at each polling site. (Volunteers may help at one or more sites.)
• Bring to sites: 1) Letter from MDLC authorizing the survey; 2) a paper survey (approx. 11 pages) per site; 3) Tape measure.
• Enter survey results into an online database.

Prospective volunteers: may direct questions to probono@mylegalaid.org.

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Media contact:
Lisa Ramirez
Communications Director
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
lramirez@mylegalaid.org