PAIMI

What is PAVA?

Protection and Advocacy for Voting Accessibility (PAVA) is a federally funded program operated by MO P&A.

The PAVA program charges MO P&A with the duty to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to information and resources that allow them to participate fully in the voting process.

In 2006, MO P&A provided voting rights information to more than 175,000 Missouri voters with disabilities, increased the number of voters participating in the Vote at Home program by 17% across the state, and assisted more than 200 voters with disabilities on election day to cast their votes.

What kind of services does PAVA offer?

The PAVA program can help you register to vote, re-register if you have moved, and provide legal aid if you believe your right to vote has been hindered because your polling place does not accommodate your needs.

The PAVA program also allows MO P&A advocates to assist Missouri voters with disabilities in registering as "permanently disabled" with their County Clerk's offices, allowing them to vote from home.

How can MO P&A help?

MO P&A can answer questions related to the process of registering to vote and send you forms needed to register or notify your County Clerk of your change of address.

MO P&A can also provide legal services if you believe your right to vote has been violated.

MO P&A runs a Vote at Home program. Through the Vote at Home program, MO P&A provides material that gives voters with disabilities a convenient way to join the permanently disabled voting list. An individual on the permanently disabled voting list will be mailed an absentee ballot every election so you could vote at home, rather than having to go to your local polling place to cast your ballot.

What should you do?

Contact the following MO P&A advocates if you would like to register to vote or Vote at Home:

Lisa Donelon: 314-785-1702, or toll free at 800-233-3958.
Doug Rueff: 816-756-1001, or toll free at 800-233-3959.
Sandra Barbour: 573-893-3333, or toll free at 866-777-7199.

You can also register to vote by calling the Secretary of States office at 1-800-NOW-VOTE.

Contact MO P&A if you or someone you know wants an advocate to help with any aspect of the voting process:

Call our Jefferson City office at 573-893-3333 or 866-777-7199, our toll free number, if you would like to take advantage of any of the services we provide through PAVA.

You could also write or email our Jefferson City office and tell us how we can contact you for assistance in applying for PAVA services.

Visit any MO P&A office and a member of our agency will assist you.

Is there a charge for PAVA program services?

PAVA non-legal advocacy services are free.

100% of the funding for the PAVA program is provided through an annual grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. CFDA #93.618, Award #G0703MOVOTP.