Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Choice!
It’s an election year, and it is more important than ever to get out and vote! Not just because of who the candidates may be, but because our local, state and federal representatives need to hear from us – the people who depend on curb cutouts, disabled parking spots, accessible services, and sometimes government assistance.
First and most important – you must be registered to vote! Have you updated your information? Have you moved since the last presidential election? Going to your local DMV office, or their web portal, makes it easier to guarantee that your voice will be heard.
“The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments, and their election officials, to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote in all elections. This includes federal, state, and local elections. And it includes all parts of voting, like voter registration, selecting a location for polling places, and voting, whether on election day or during an early or absentee voting process.” (cited: ada.gov)
There are some options when it comes to accessible voting:
- Vote by Mail – Any registered voter may vote using a vote-by-mail ballot instead of going to the polls on Election Day. This will be sent by your county officials, so be sure to look out for it in your mailbox and also give yourself plenty of time to sent it back – it needs to be received within 7 days after Election Day.
- Curbside Voting – This option allows you to park as close as possible to your voting center, and an election official will bring you a roster to sign, as well as your ballot and any other voting materials.
- Vote at a Center – Great news! You can bring up to two people with you to help mark your ballot when voting in person.
- Vote at Home – Remote-accessible vote-by-mail systems or RAVBM allows you to vote independently and in the privacy of your residence. Also, RAVBM works with your own compatible technology.
- Accessible Voting Machines – To be on the safe side, make sure to contact your county elections office to see which voting centers have designated accessible machines.
If you would like to get involved with your state’s Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee (VAAC), make sure to join their regularly scheduled meetings via phone, web or in person. This is another great way to be a part of the solution by volunteering to host a registration drive, be a poll worker on Election Day, or share outreach materials to your friends, family, co-workers or community.
In Health,
Aaron
