Editor’s Note: REV UP was founded in 2016 by grassroots activists in Texas to build the power of the disability vote—and over the past decade, it has grown into a powerful national movement. REV UP stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!” As we celebrate 10 years of impact, we are spotlighting leaders from across the country whose work reflects the strength and influence of the REV UP movement.
Gene Martinez’s work with REV UP Minnesota (or REV UP MN) is an example of what happens when disabled advocates come together to build collective political power. As a national movement, REV UP brings together state-based coalitions of disability organizations, grassroots leaders, and community members to expand access to voting and strengthen disabled representation in our democracy.
For Martinez, Coalition Leader of REV UP MN and Legislative Advocacy Coordinator for The Arc Minnesota, this work builds on decades of grassroots advocacy. Having worked in disability advocacy since 1990, Martinez was drawn to the REV UP movement for the opportunities to connect with and learn from disability advocates across the country.
REV UP MN was formed in 2018 and quickly grew from a small group of eight members into a statewide coalition rooted in community and a collective mission, to a network of over 30 organizations, expanding its impact across the state. Since its earliest days, REV UP MN has focused on engaging directly with the political process: developing candidate questionnaires for state and congressional races, connecting with voters, and building relationships with elected officials.
Since its founding, REV UP MN has affirmed that disabled voters are more than participants in democracy–they are a pivotal force within society.
“Civic engagement is about involving community members and helping them use their power to enact change,” Martinez said. “REV UP is all about people using their power.”
REV UP MN’s connections to the REV UP national network strengthened their state organizing efforts through shared learning and solidarity across states.
“I have so much admiration for the people in Georgia and Texas who do not always have the most supportive state laws on their side, but yet they continue to organize, they continue to figure out new ways to engage with people,” Martinez said.
From participating in a state-led disability advisory committee to organizing forums that connect voters directly with election officials, REV UP MN has worked to build strong relationships with elected officials, like Secretary of State Steve Simon, to empower the disability vote together.
When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of advocacy, REV UP MN expanded its reach through digital organizing. The coalition hosted several virtual candidate forums, ensuring that disabled voters were informed and engaged. This persistence and perseverance had a lasting impact, and in 2025, REV UP MN was awarded the Medallion Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State, recognizing its leadership within the disability community.
This advocacy has led to increased election accessibility in Minnesota, including expanding accessible absentee ballots for voters with print disabilities, establishing permanent absentee voting lists, and implementing automatic voter registration through state ID and driver’s license systems. These changes have made voting more accessible for voters throughout the state, particularly disabled voters who face systemic barriers.
Still, challenges remain, especially when it comes to transportation and access to polling places. To address this, REV UP MN continues to emphasize expanding options so voters can choose what works best for them, whether that’s by mail, during early voting, or in person on Election Day.“
When disabled voters come together to organize and advocate, we make our political power undeniable: nothing about us, without us.
“Let them know how big the disability community really is … we are here, and we are important to the community,” Martinez said.
For new leaders entering this space, Martinez offers advice from his own decades of grassroots leadership experience.
“Building solidarity within and outside the disability community is critical,” he said.
Martinez’s advocacy with REV UP MN reminds us that when disabled people come together, we can transform systems and help shape an accessible democracy.