If voters with disabilities cast their ballots at the exact same rate as voters without disabilities, roughly two million more voices would actively participate in shaping American democracy. This striking statistic, drawn from federal election research and Rutgers University data highlighted by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, underscores a persistent civic participation gap that organizations across the country are working urgently to close.
In Colorado, Developmental Pathways (DP) has reaffirmed its deep organizational commitment to ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can fully and independently participate in their local communities, which includes exercising their fundamental right to vote. As the state looks ahead to the 2026 election cycle, DP has launched a comprehensive informational initiative designed to connect Colorado voters with disabilities to the essential resources, legal protections, and practical tools they need to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Your Right to Vote
A central pillar of the voter education effort is clarifying the legal rights of individuals with disabilities, dispelling common misconceptions, and ensuring that voters understand their autonomy under Colorado law. Crucially, in the state of Colorado, having a designated guardian or utilizing another form of legal decision-maker does not strip an individual of their constitutional right to vote.
Any resident who is 18 years of age or older, a United States citizen, and meets Colorado’s standard voter eligibility requirements retains the absolute right to cast a ballot and make their own independent choices in every election. Detailed eligibility guidelines, registration timelines, and frequently asked questions tailored specifically to electors with disabilities are maintained by the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, providing a transparent roadmap for first-time and returning voters alike.
Furthermore, voters who encounter questions regarding their legal rights, accessibility accommodations, or potential barriers at polling locations have a dedicated advocacy partner in Disability Justice Colorado. As the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy System, the organization stands ready to assist community members in understanding their legal entitlements, navigating accessible voting options, and formally filing complaints if their civil rights are violated during the electoral process.
Make a Plan to Vote
Translating the right to vote into actual civic participation often requires careful preparation, especially for voters who rely on specific accommodations, transportation logistics, or accessible technology. To assist voters in navigating these practical considerations ahead of the 2026 election, Developmental Pathways has made accessible planning tools available, including a printable "My Voting Plan" resource sheet designed to help individuals organize their schedule, select their preferred voting method, and outline their journey to the ballot box.
Colorado’s decentralized, mail-in and in-person hybrid voting model offers multiple avenues for participation, ensuring that voters can choose the method that best aligns with their comfort level and accessibility needs. Under state and federal mandates, every Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) across Colorado is legally required to be fully accessible, featuring specialized ballot-marking devices equipped with audio, tactile, and large-print capabilities to accommodate voters with diverse physical, sensory, and cognitive needs.
In addition to visiting an in-person polling center, eligible Coloradans can receive a ballot directly by mail, drop it off securely at designated drop boxes, or track its journey from the county election office to final tabulation. To maintain total transparency and peace of mind throughout the process, voters can utilize the Colorado Secretary of State’s BallotTrax online tracking tool, which provides real-time updates and text or email notifications confirming when a ballot has been mailed, received, and accepted by election officials.
Understanding Your Ballot
While casting a ballot is the culmination of the civic process, understanding what—and who—is actually on that ballot is just as vital as showing up on election day. The modern electoral landscape features a complex array of candidates, constitutional amendments, statutory propositions, and local ballot measures that can significantly impact funding, services, and community life for individuals with disabilities.
Navigating this intricate web of information requires careful research, and many civic, advocacy, and community organizations publish dedicated ballot guides to help voters break down complex policy language. While some guides are strictly nonpartisan and focus purely on neutral summaries of fiscal impacts and arguments for and against measures, others reflect specific political viewpoints. Civic educators advise voters to seek out trusted, transparent sources that align with their personal values and lived experiences.
To support the disability community in navigating these decisions for the 2026 election, Developmental Pathways has compiled an evolving directory of nonpartisan ballot guides and educational resources. As advocacy groups, legal organizations, and community partners release new materials ahead of the election, the resource hub continues to update, encouraging voters to check back frequently for the latest tools designed to foster informed and confident decision-making at the polls.
