Voters With Vision Impairment Get ID Help: Stephen’s Story
When Stephen and Mary Beth moved from Alabama to Chandler, Arizona, in the fall of 2020, they were not able to vote in the presidential election because they didn’t have an acceptable ID.
“We actually haven’t been able to vote in several years due to moving from state to state for our work,” Stephen explained. “But now they’re ready for Arizona’s primary on August 2 and the general election on November 8, thanks to VoteRiders.“
Stephen had tried using Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website for information about getting the IDs they need to vote. But there was a problem.
“Being a visually impaired individual, the MVD website wasn’t always cooperative or some parts were inaccessible. It takes so long to get the right documentation and transportation, so getting state identification has been a struggle.”
Luckily, an email shared by Mary Beth’s employer, the Foundation for Blind Children, connected the Wagners with Ability360, which partners with VoteRiders to provide free ID help to Ability360’s clients with disabilities. On a Zoom call, the Wagners met Cassandra Chavez, VoteRiders’ Arizona Voter ID Coalition Coordinator.
“VoteRiders did a great job — from answering my email promptly, to accompanying me and my wife to the MVD,” said Stephen. “You were helpful with all of my questions and with making sure we had the documents we needed. The process couldn’t have been any smoother.”
Through VoteRiders’ partnership with Uber, Cassandra also arranged a ride for Stephen, Mary Beth and their service dog, Mae, to the Arizona MVD office.
“VoteRiders’ patience with two blind individuals is so appreciated. You stepped in when we needed assistance while giving us space when we asked to be independent. We couldn’t have asked for a better balance of personal attention, warmth, and professionalism.”
While they were at the MVD office getting their IDs in early June, Stephen and Mary Beth also registered to vote.
“I can see how important VoteRiders is,” Stephen said. “You made getting our ID simple and stress-free. Mary Beth and I can now use it for interstate travel and as proof of ID to vote.”