November 8, 2011
General Election day for local races is here now it does not matter what the democrats or republicans or independents have to say its our time to have our say. We as person with disability have been disfranchisement of our vote so long its time to get out vote and excise our right to choose.
Voters right have been protected for over 141 years on the based of race. For about 91 years the guarantee right for women to vote and self-determination. Then 1965 the Voters Rights act had said that it’s a civil right and that no law can be made to denied that right to vote or be denied to election process.
Under the United Nation Convention of Person with Disability have said that it our right of self-determination to be able to choose a candidate of our choice or be able to run for office. We must stand up and take a position to hold our elected official accountable for their actions and today is the time for doing it.
For local races lot of people skip them because of its local as result only about 30% show up to the polls that the case here in my community. That said it means that the locals races can be change and your vote does matter, so why not get out to vote.
Also call into the state election board if a site is non-accessible or a disabled voter’s right to confidential of his/her vote is not protect. Call your neighbors and friend to remind them today is election day.
Also the County must also produce effective communications for both the polls and election-related materials. Also if you’re receiving Public assistance the county must provide voter registration opportunities.
Under HAVA act of 2002 the state and counties must provide and improved accessibility and quantity of polling places, which in turn help person with disability achieve independence of exercising their to right to vote and choose a candidate of their choice.
Also a person with a disability you also have a right to be election worker and participate in the election process.
Voting machine must be able to handle all types of disabilities.
Under the MOVE ( Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment) has guarantee rights of Military personal and Overseas Voter to have their vote counted and to be able to have access to their ballots.
So why not get out vote today and have your say in the local races and choose your next elected official.
Reference;
US Department of Justice Office of Civil Voter Rights
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