Voting is an Essential Disability Advocacy Activity
In November, another election will be happening to decide the next president of the United States. Voting is an essential part of disability advocacy as the president can impact important issues for the disability community. If you haven’t been thinking about being a part of the voting process, this is the time to start thinking about it and getting ready to decide who to vote for.
People with disabilities make up a large part of the population and can make a big statement about what is important to them. Presidential candidates often have lots of talking points that address things that are important for the disability community. These are issues like healthcare, services and support systems, education, and more. It is important for you to decide what candidate you think will best help with the things you need for your disability.
This is why it is important for you to decide on why you are voting. Maybe you want to vote because of an issue that is really important to you. Think about the issues that most affect your day-to-day life, and which candidate has a plan to take action on that issue. Maybe you want to vote because there is an area of concern that is really important for your community. The right candidate might have ideas to take action on that issue that make life better for people with the same disability as you. It doesn’t matter why you’re voting, as long as the reason is important to you.
There are essential things that you may need to know in order to vote. Things like the accessibility of your polling place and options for getting a mail-in ballot are important factors to consider when deciding how to vote. The law says that all types of voting need to be accessible to voters with disabilities thanks to the ADA and the Help America Vote Act. Voting places also have to let people help anyone who wants to vote and to provide accommodations for your disability thanks to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. AAHD hopes that everyone who wants to vote is able to vote. If you want to vote this election year (whether for your local and state-level races, or for the presidency) take action with the resources below.
Save the Date: The General Election is November 5, 2024!
Take Action to Vote:
- Read more about Voting with a Disability
- Register to Vote
- Find help in your state to vote
- Other Resources for Voters with Disabilities
- Compare the Presidential Candidates on Health Care
Here are some questions to ask when preparing to vote:
- How do I plan on voting? (Ex: by mail, or In-person)
- What day will I vote, and where?
- How will I get to the polls or fill out my ballot?
- What issues matter to me?
- Who can I vote for, and which offices are on the ballot? (Ex: Senate, President, City Council, and more!)