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Muscular Dystrophy Association Launches ‘Access the Vote’ Campaign to Empower Disability Community Ahead of Elections
New resources help people living with neuromuscular diseases understand voting rights, overcome barriers, and make their voices heard on issues impacting their lives.
‘Your Voice, Your Vote’ community listening session webinar will be held on August 6.
Washington, D.C., Monday, August 3, 2026 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) today launched its Access the Vote campaign (MDA.org/Vote), a national initiative to empower people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases—and the broader disability community—to participate fully in elections and make their voices heard on the issues that matter most to their lives. Through accessible resources, educational tools, and community storytelling, the campaign helps voters understand their rights, explore voting options, and create a plan to cast their ballot.
The MDA invites the community to a listening session called ‘Your Voice, Your Vote’ on Thursday, August 6 at 1pm ET to share lived experiences around voting and learn more about the resources and tools available for the disability community to access voting in their area. Register for the webinar here.
“People living with disabilities represent a powerful community of advocates whose voices help shape the future of healthcare, caregiving, research, and the programs that support independence and quality of life,” said Paul Melmeyer, MPP, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “When our community participates in elections, we strengthen our collective ability to raise awareness about priorities that impact families every day—from protecting access to care and critical programs like Medicaid, to supporting caregivers, advancing biomedical research through investments in the NIH, and accelerating progress toward life-changing treatments. Accessing the vote ensures that people with disabilities have the opportunity to be heard and help shape a more accessible, inclusive future.”
The Access the Vote campaign is built around a simple message: Your Vote. Your Plan. The campaign provides practical information to help people with disabilities prepare to vote, including how to:
- Register to vote and confirm registration deadlines
- Explore voting options, including early voting and vote-by-mail where available
- Identify accessible polling locations and request accommodations
- Understand the right to bring a trusted person to assist at the polls
- Navigate common voting barriers and access support when needed
Voting Rights Are Disability Rights
For the neuromuscular disease community, elections have a direct impact on policies and decisions affecting daily life, including:
- Access to healthcare and specialized care services
- Support for caregivers and families
- Medicaid and other critical programs that promote independence
- Federal investments in research and development of new therapies
- Accessibility protections that allow people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities
Despite legal protection, people with disabilities continue to face barriers to voting, including transportation challenges, inaccessible polling locations, and limited awareness of available accommodations. The Access the Vote Campaign aims to help people overcome those barriers by providing clear, actionable resources before Election Day.
“My voice matters, and so does the voice of every person living with a disability,” said Justin Lopez, MDA Ambassador and advocate from Toledo, Ohio, living with limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD 2B). “Voting is one of the ways we can make sure our experiences, priorities, and hopes for the future are represented. The decisions made by elected leaders impact our everyday lives—from access to healthcare and support services to opportunities for independence and inclusion. Making a plan to vote helps ensure that our community continues to be seen, heard, and valued.”
“At the Muscular Dystrophy Association, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to participate fully in civic life,” said Sharon Hesterlee, PhD, President and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “For people living with neuromuscular diseases and disabilities, voting is one of the most powerful ways to help shape decisions that affect access to healthcare, research funding, independence, accessibility, and disability rights. Through the Access the Vote campaign, MDA provides accessible tools, trusted information, and practical support so individuals and families can understand their rights, make a voting plan, and participate with confidence. Every voice matters, every vote matters, and our community matters.” Watch Dr. Hesterlee’s video here.
Voting Assistance
Voters who experience challenges at the polls can call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for assistance.
Social Media
Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTubee using #AccessTheVote.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. As strategic partners with the federal government, we work with public officials and administrations of all parties to advance policies that protect the rights, inclusion, dignity, and agency of people with neuromuscular disease. We do not endorse or support candidates or engage in political campaigns or activities. For questions regarding our advocacy work or policy positions, contact advocacy@mdausa.org.
Media contact: press@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for over 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
