Governor Bill Lee Proclaims September 9-13, 2024 as Disability Voting Rights Awareness Week in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, TN Sept. 6, 2024 – Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed September 9-13, 2024, as Disability Voting Rights Awareness Week in Tennessee in recognition of National Disability Voting Rights Week.
There are over 1.6 million Tennesseans living with disabilities and nearly 1 million are eligible voters. Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nonpartisan movement led by the American Association of People with Disabilities’ (APPD) REV UP Voting Campaign — Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power! The week focuses on advocating for accessible futures, celebrating the disability community, and building collective power.
“Voting allows us to have a say in what happens next,” said Nicole Allen, Voting Coordinator at Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT). “Although one in four Americans has a disability, voter turnout among the disability community is significantly lower than that of voters without disabilities. This week helps spread the word and remind our community that our vote truly matters.”
DVRW, celebrated annually in September, raises awareness of voter rights and registration opportunities for over 38 million eligible voters with disabilities. REV UP Tennessee is excited to bring this momentum to our state, working alongside our partners to keep Tennesseans with disabilities engaged in the election process and share engaging stories and resources along the way.
“From employment, to housing, to healthcare, to transportation, and economic mobility; Tennesseans with disabilities face countless barriers to fully participate in everyday life. Governor Lee’s recent proclamation puts a needed spotlight on the critical importance of knowing how, when, and where to vote in Tennessee if you or a family member live with a disability,” said Jeff Strand, Director of Public Policy for the Tennessee Disability Coalition. “It is increasingly complicated to cast a ballot in Tennessee, and highlighting this important awareness week may help Tennesseans with disabilities understand our voting rights and successfully engage in the civic process.”
The REV UP Tennessee Coalition comprised of the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC), Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT), CivicTN, Tennessee Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC TN), and the TARP Center for Independent Living, invites all Tennesseans to join us in building the power of the disability vote during Disability Voting Rights Week.
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About Disability Rights Tennessee: Disability Rights Tennessee is the Protection & Advocacy (“P&A”) organization designated in the State of Tennessee. Disability Rights Tennessee provides free legal advocacy services to Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness across Tennessee. If you or someone you know needs help contact DRT via email at GetHelp@DisabilityRightsTN.org, via phone at 800-342-1660, or on our website at www.DisabilityRightsTN.org.
About the Tennessee Disability Coalition: The Tennessee Disability Coalition is a 501(c)3 nonprofit alliance of 40+ member organizations and individuals joined to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. With programs, public policy, and purpose we collectively advocate for self-determination, independence, empowerment, and inclusion for people with disabilities in areas such as accessibility, education, healthcare, housing, and voting rights. For more information about the Tennessee Disability Coalition, visit http://www.TNDisability.org, email Coalition@TNDisability.org, or text TEAMWORK to 72690.