DAYTON—The League of Women Voters of Greater Dayton, Community Services for the Deaf, and the Deaf Community Resource Center, the ACLU of Ohio, and the Montgomery County Board of Elections are hosting Deaf Voter Participation Day on March 9th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. American Sign Language interpreters will be available for individuals who wish to use them for early in-person voting.
“At the Montgomery County Board of Elections, we want to make sure that every voter has a great experience,” said Jan Kelly, director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. “We believe that because voting is one of the most important rights as an American citizen, casting your ballot should be easy and welcoming for everyone.”
“The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation of all citizens in their government,” said Susan Hesselgesser, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Greater Dayton. “The partnerships we have created with this project should serve as an example of how communities can work together to ensure that all voters are free of barriers at the polls.”
“Whenever anyone has a negative experience casting their vote, they are less likely to vote in the future,” said Christopher Geggie, campaign manager for the ACLU of Ohio. “This is especially true for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Potential language barriers and the anxiety around them can keep people from registering and casting their vote. It has been exciting to work with the League, the Board of Elections, Community Services for the Deaf, and the Deaf Community Resource Center to encourage voters of all backgrounds to exercise their rights, both to vote and to receive whatever accommodations they may need.”
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