As preparations ramp up for the upcoming election cycle, civic advocates and community organizations are renewing their focus on a persistent gap in American democracy: the participation rate of voters with disabilities. National data underscores the magnitude of the untapped potential within this demographic. According to research referenced by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and Rutgers University, if eligible voters with disabilities cast their ballots at the exact same rate as voters without disabilities, approximately two million additional voices would actively help shape the direction of local, state, and national policy.
To bridge this participation gap and ensure equitable access at the polls, Developmental Pathways (DP), a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has launched a comprehensive informational campaign. The initiative aims to equip Colorado voters with disabilities, their families, and their supporters with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to fully participate in the 2026 election. By breaking down legal barriers, highlighting accessibility provisions, and offering practical planning resources, DP is working to ensure that every eligible citizen can make their voice heard.
Your Right to Vote
A foundational element of Developmental Pathways’ outreach campaign centers on reinforcing fundamental voting rights. Misinformation and outdated assumptions often deter individuals with disabilities from participating in elections, particularly concerning legal guardianship. To combat this, the organization emphasizes a crucial legal reality in Colorado: having a guardian or utilizing another form of legal decision-making support does not strip an individual of their constitutional right to vote.
Under Colorado law, any resident who is 18 years of age or older and meets the state’s basic eligibility requirements retains the absolute right to cast a ballot and make independent choices on candidates and ballot measures. For voters seeking official confirmation of their status, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office provides comprehensive eligibility guidelines alongside a specialized Frequently Asked Questions page dedicated entirely to voters with disabilities.
Furthermore, safeguarding these rights is an active priority for state agencies and advocacy groups. Disability Justice Colorado, which serves as the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy System, plays a vital role in this ecosystem. The organization is equipped to help voters understand their rights, navigate accessible voting technology and alternative ballot options, and formally file complaints should any voter experience barriers or violations of their rights during the electoral process.
Make a Plan to Vote
Translating the right to vote into actual civic participation often requires careful preparation, particularly for voters who may benefit from structured planning. To assist with this process, Developmental Pathways has made practical planning tools available to the public, including a printable resource titled "My Voting Plan." This document is designed to help individuals map out every step of the voting process, from registration checks to the final submission of their ballot.
Colorado’s decentralized and accessible election model offers multiple pathways for voters to cast their ballots securely. State regulations mandate that every Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) must meet stringent accessibility standards to accommodate voters with diverse physical, sensory, and cognitive needs. Whether voters choose to mail in their ballots, drop them off at designated secure drop boxes, or vote in person using accessible ballot-marking devices at a VSPC, the system is structured to provide flexibility.
To maintain transparency and peace of mind throughout the voting process, Colorado voters can monitor the status of their ballots in real-time. The Secretary of State’s office provides access to BallotTrax, an online tracking tool that allows voters to follow their ballot from the moment it is printed and mailed until it is successfully received and accepted by county election officials.
Understanding Your Ballot
While casting a ballot is the final step in the electoral process, understanding what is actually on that ballot is just as critical to meaningful civic engagement. Modern elections present voters with an array of complex candidate races, constitutional amendments, and statutory propositions. Navigating these choices can be daunting, prompting many voters to rely on external guides for analysis and perspective.
A wide variety of organizations publish voter guides ahead of elections, ranging from strictly nonpartisan educational groups to organizations with specific political or ideological viewpoints. Developmental Pathways stresses the importance of selecting trusted, transparent sources that align with an individual’s personal values and priorities. To support this endeavor, the organization has compiled a curated collection of nonpartisan ballot guides and educational resources tailored to the 2026 election cycle. As additional guides, analyses, and community resources are published by trusted civic entities, Developmental Pathways intends to continuously update its offerings, encouraging voters to check back frequently for the latest information as election day approaches.
