Voting: Your Right, Your Responsibility
Looking back to 1996, the first election for which I was eligible to vote, I am ashamed to admit, I did not exercise my voice. I stayed home with a plethora of excuses: I don't care who wins, it won't affect me anyhow, I don't know how or where to vote. Oh the shame!! How could I have allowed this opportunity to pass me by!
As the years passed, I became more educated, more interested and more passionate about specific issues. I began to understand just how meaningful the act of voting can be. It's about standing up for what you believe in and choosing a leader that will carry your shared vision forward.
Now of course, my guy or gal didn't always win, but at least I could stand up and say I tried. And that's exactly what voting is all about! It's about participating, showing up as a voice in society and taking responsibility for your choices and actions.
Please, do not stay home on November 6th, or worse yet, go to the polls uninformed. Educate yourself on the issues and vote with confidence. I can personally attest to the pure satisfaction of this effortless but significant act!
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Worst Excuses Not to Vote
1. I don't have any way to get to the polls
As an individual with a disability you may be able to obtain and submit an absentee ballot via mail. Most requests for a ballot must be obtained in advance of Election Day. To learn more, contact your state's election office.
2. My vote doesn't matter anyway
A recent study suggested that if citizens with disabilities turned out to the polls at the same rate as those without disabilities, there would have been 3 million more votes in 2008! Proof that your vote and the vote of your peers does matter! Plus, with so much talk about Medicare and Medicaid reform, your vote is more important than ever. Please be informed and choose the candidate that will best address your unique needs.
3. I don't know who to vote for
There are plenty of ways to get to know the candidates. Watch the debates, read the newspaper, or visit the candidates' websites. You may also wish to check out the National Forum on Disability Issues on Facebook.
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What You Need to Do to Vote in the 2012 Election
1. Register to Vote
Every State has its own registration guidelines. Some states allow you to register the day of, others requires you to do so ahead of time. Check with your state election office or visit votesmart.org to learn of your state's specific guidelines.
2. Educate Yourself on the Candidates
The only thing worse than not voting, is voting without fully grasping the policy positions of the candidates. Check out our previous article, "Worst Excuses Not to Vote," or the Election Resources article below, for ideas on how to learn more about the candidates.
3. Find out How and Where to Vote
Every polling place is required to have measures in place to assist voters with disabilities. However, if your disability prevents you from going to the polls, request your absentee ballot ASAP. Contact your State Elections Office to do so.
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Election Resources
NHU 2012 Election
Find out important election event dates, link to candidate websites and other essential election resources.
