Aging & Disability Resource Center to help reduce voting barriers

With elections quickly approaching, the staff at Kenosha County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center has mobilized to help.

“Each year, particularly during major elections, we hear from callers about the barriers they face to have their voice heard and their vote counted,” said Carolyn Feldt, manager at the Kenosha County Aging & Disability Services Division.

This year, the ADRC is stepping up to offer greater assistance to persons with disabilities and older adults. In reviewing data from previous election years, three specific barriers stood out: 35% of the ADRC voting calls were questions from people needing assistance in getting the appropriate identification, 17% needed help requesting an absentee ballot and 13% lacked transportation for voting-related needs. Kenosha County, in partnership with the City of Kenosha, is offering rides through three transportation services at no fare.

These services typically provide rides to seniors and persons with disabilities to meet their daily needs. During this election time, however, they will be expanding their services with the goal of reducing transportation as a barrier for anyone wishing to vote.