Virginia candidates to address disability issues at 2025 statewide forum

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is Your Local Election Headquarters! As Labor Day marked the unofficial start to campaign season, a virtual statewide candidate forum will see Virginia's governmental candidates address disability issues on Sept. 15.

With a notable disability population -- 11.9% of people in Virginia -- largely in part due to the large military population in the state, the 2025 Statewide Candidate Forum on Disability Issues will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15.

The forum addresses multiple important issues affecting the disability community, including protecting Medicaid, employment opportunities, inclusive and affordable housing and voting rights and accessibility, according to the non-profit organization, Arc Virginia.

"With 938,500 disabled Virginians eligible to vote, representing 15.1% of the state's entire electorate, this community is literally too big to ignore," a release said.

According to the Arc Virginia, candidates running for the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general will be asked direct questions from various representatives during the forum.

The week of Sept. 15 also marks National Disability Voting Rights Week, which aims to advocate for accessible futures, celebrate community and build power.

To learn more about this event and to register, click here.