As the upcoming election cycle approaches, advocacy groups and community organizations across Colorado are renewing their efforts to ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their fundamental right to participate in the democratic process. At the forefront of this movement is Developmental Pathways (DP), an organization deeply committed to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities fully participate in their communities, which inherently includes the act of voting.
Recent research underscores the profound impact that increasing civic participation among individuals with disabilities could have on the political landscape. According to data highlighted by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and Rutgers University, if voters with disabilities cast their ballots at the exact same rate as voters without disabilities, roughly two million additional voices would help shape the future of American democracy. Closing this participation gap remains a critical objective for advocates who emphasize that inclusive elections strengthen communities and ensure that governance reflects the diverse needs of the entire population.
To bridge this gap and support Colorado voters with disabilities heading into the 2026 election, Developmental Pathways has compiled a comprehensive overview of essential information, legal rights, and practical resources designed to make the voting process as smooth and accessible as possible.
Your Right to Vote
A foundational aspect of civic empowerment is a clear understanding of legal protections. In the state of Colorado, having a guardian or another appointed legal decision-maker does not strip an individual of their right to vote. This is a common point of confusion for many voters, family members, and caregivers, but Colorado law is explicit: any individual who is 18 years of age or older and meets the state’s basic eligibility requirements retains the absolute right to vote and make their own independent ballot choices.
Prospective voters seeking detailed clarification can consult the official eligibility guidelines provided by the Colorado Secretary of State, as well as the specialized Voters with Disabilities Frequently Asked Questions page, which outlines specific accommodations and legal protections available throughout the state. Furthermore, Disability Justice Colorado, which serves as the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy System, stands ready to assist individuals who have questions about their rights, want to learn more about accessible voting technologies, or need to file a formal complaint in the event that their voting rights are impeded or violated.
Make a Plan to Vote
Navigating an election successfully often begins with preparation. To assist voters in organizing their approach to the 2026 election, Developmental Pathways has made available a dedicated planning tool known as the "My Voting Plan" sheet, which can be printed and utilized by voters, families, and support staff to map out each step of the process.
Colorado’s decentralized and voter-friendly election model offers multiple pathways for participation. State regulations mandate that every Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) must be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that those who prefer to cast their ballots in person can do so in an environment equipped to meet their physical and communication needs. At the same time, voters utilizing mail-in ballots or alternative return methods can maintain complete transparency and peace of mind by tracking the status of their ballot online in real time through the Secretary of State’s BallotTrax tool. This system allows voters to monitor their ballot from the moment it is mailed or dropped off until it is officially accepted and counted.
Understanding Your Ballot
Casting an informed vote is just as vital as the physical act of showing up at the polls or returning a ballot. As the 2026 election approaches, voters are confronted with complex candidate races, ballot measures, and policy questions. Recognizing this challenge, numerous civic, community, and advocacy organizations publish voter guides to help untangle intricate ballot language and present different perspectives.
While these guides can be immensely helpful, advocates emphasize the importance of choosing trusted, transparent sources that align with an individual’s personal values, keeping in mind that some guides are strictly nonpartisan while others may advocate for specific viewpoints. To assist voters in navigating this landscape, Developmental Pathways has gathered a curated selection of ballot guides and informational resources tailored for the 2026 election. As additional resources, community toolkits, and accessible guides are developed and released by trusted organizations in the months leading up to the election, the organization plans to continuously update its collection, encouraging voters to check back frequently for the latest information.
