Students from School for the Deaf and Blind vote for first time

Students at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind are exercising their right to vote. For many of them, Monday was their first time casting a ballot.

It was an exciting moment for first time voter Nicholas Schwegman. Schwegman is deaf, but speaking and voting with the help of an interpreter.

“I was kind of nervous about this new experience,” Schwegman said.

Joseph Ryan, a counselor at the school, brought 16 of his students to the Independence Center to vote.

“We feel like it’s really important to teach our students ages 18 to 21 how to be involved in the communities where they live and to do their civic duty,” Ryan said.

Students spent the past few months learning amendments and preparing to vote in the election.

“We did a lot of learning at school, how the process works, practicing, so that we could feel ready for the real day and the real voting,” Schwegman said.

Specially designed booths allow the visually impaired to vote by listening to audio recordings.

“To bring them here gives them an opportunity to vote with support of interpreters for our blind students and low vision,” Ryan said.

Every student, regardless of their disability had a chance to vote and make an impact in the election.

“It’s been very helpful and really supportive for those of us first time voting because it’s really important, so I appreciate that support,” Schwegman said.

A reminder, you have until Tuesday at 7 p.m. to vote.