Yes…It Counts

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Ro Washington

I think we can all agree that this Election season has seemed much longer than most. While tomorrow may bring an end to the commercials, debates, and political satire on late night TV (for at least 3 years), it is imperative to remember how important this actually is. Voting has been around officially in the US since 1789 when a then-small number of eligible individuals voted in our first President, George Washington, and his right hand men. Since then we’ve sworn in 43 people to serve in the capacity of President and tomorrow we’ll elect number 44.

While it may feel like it at times, we aren’t helpless in what happens; and while not everyone may be satisfied with the outcome tomorrow, being part of the conversation is up to each and every one of us. Voting is our shot, an opportunity for us all to have a say in who governs our cities, counties, states, and country. While everyone has their own reason for voting for their choice, individuals living with disabilities or chronic illnesses have a vested interest in what comes next and whom our elected officials are. These officials will be responsible for upholding our benefit system, enacting our budgets for public transportation, and charged with making decisions on expanding or ending needed services. They’ll be some of the loudest voices for where research dollars go and be in the room where it happens, as conversations determine the fate of programs and plans that impact our healthcare system.

“Where” or “Who” can you ask questions of, you might ask? On Election Day many disability rights organizations are available by phone to help answer voter questions regarding issues that impact disability services. You can contact your local disability rights advocacy group to learn more about how you may be impacted by the pending election. Also, here are a few tips in regards to getting out to vote:

Make Sure You’ve Registered! Many states have specific times when you must register to vote in advance. If you missed the deadline this year, make sure to register in advance for future elections.
Confirm your poll location! Call ahead to your city or county government office and ask for information on accessible transportation, opening/closing times, available parking, or any other needed updates on your polling place.
Get the phone number! Find the contact number for your State Office of Protection and Advocacy, and bring it with you when you vote. If you run into any barriers such as lack of accessible transportation to the polling site, physical accessibility of the building itself, problem in accessing the voting equipment, or understanding your rights, this is who you can contact. This is also the office that can advise you of your rights in general under the ADA.

I know you might be thinking ‘Does it really matter if I vote?’ YES, Yes It Does. You don’t want to be the person asking ‘What’d I miss?’ or wonder later on what impact your vote could have had. Exercise your right to vote on November 8th. The world and history has its eyes on us, let’s make sure we all do our part to elect our next administration.

Bonus Points if you know how many references to Hamilton are included in this blog. But more seriously, get out and vote tomorrow November 8th…Your Vote Counts!

Election Day and Disability Voting Related Concerns for the MS Community

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Samantha Schech

While most of the media has already turned their attention to the upcoming Presidential Election, it’s worthy to note that there are still important issues and elections occurring this Election Day, Tuesday November 3^rd.

Voting provides us the opportunity to weigh in on the issues that are most important to us as well as how our hometown and state are governed. For those living with disabilities, following and supporting elected officials with similar goals in mind is critical. For example, many who rely on public transportation as a means to get around town should know which officials support expanding transportation services, versus those who may plan to shut them down.

We have the power to create change through our votes. While on a local level it may seem insignificant, state level policies have a way of affecting those living with disabilities. Disability Rights organizations often open up their phone lines on Election Day to help answer disability related voter questions. Contact your local Disability Rights group to learn how you may be affected in this upcoming election.

Having an issue getting to the polls? Visit our Accessible Voting blog for information and guidance around access issues.

Happy Voting!

Accessible Voting

Posted on November 3, 2014 by MSAA

You may or may not know it, but Tuesday November 4th is the day to vote. That’s right – midterm elections are here, and for many people that means they get a chance to make a decision about the makeup of Congress or governorship in their state.

But what do you do if you arrive to your designated voting site and the building isn’t accessible, or there are other problems which would cause you difficulties in casting your vote?

Go to the voting place prepared. You don’t want to be stuck – physically or metaphorically – at the voting site and not be able to cast your vote.

Here are a few tips to make sure your vote is counted:

Make sure you are registered to vote. There may be a specific time frame you must register in advance of a vote, so if you miss out this year, go ahead and register so you can vote in future elections.
If you are not sure, confirm your voting location with your city or county government office. You can also call ahead to ask information about where to park, whether there is accessible transportation, etc.
Get the phone number for your State Office of Protection and Advocacy and bring it with you when you vote. If you run into any barriers (lack of accessible transportation, physical accessibility of the building, problems accessing voting equipment, or understanding your rights), this is the correct office to advise you of your rights under the ADA and make sure you get a chance to vote.

Why go through the hassle of going to the voting booth at all?

Many states allow individuals to register as an absentee voter. Once you get registered, you can remotely cast your vote! For next time, plan ahead and register to absentee vote.

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