The Institute of Public Policy at MU’s Truman School of Public Affairs is recruiting students with disabilities to serve as poll workers for the upcoming November election.
Institute staff will work with the MU Office of Disability Services and the Boone County Clerk on the initiative, which will help insure that people of all backgrounds feel welcome at the polls, said Emily Johnson, a coordinator and policy analyst at the IPP.
“It’s important because we want everyone to know that they can take part in an election,” Johnson said. “We want to make sure that polling places are open to everyone, and that people with disabilities are aware that there are accommodations for them if needed.”
The recruiting effort is funded by a grant from the United States Election Assistance Commission. Johnson hopes to recruit 15 to 20 students with disabilities to work at the polls. Another aim of the grant is to educate poll workers about working with individuals with disabilities and serving voters with disabilities.
The Institute of Public Policy is committed to increasing knowledge and understanding of issues facing Missouri state and local governments. For more information, visit the IPP’s offices at 137 Middlebush Hall or call 884-5473.