REV UP: your vote counts

REV UP: Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power.

Because of misconception, reluctance, inaccessibility, or apathy, people with disabilities have had exceptionally low voter turnout on election day.   People with disabilities represent 20% of the population yet have very little political clout compared with other “minority” groups.

Every US citizen over the age of 18 has the right and obligation to vote, even if the individual has a legal guardian.  This right extends to local, state and national elections.

Policies and laws that impact people with disabilities need to have input from those most affected, for example, education, school boards, employment, housing, health care, public transportation, Social Security, Medicaid, accessibility, inclusion, and representation.

But people with disabilities also have opinions on policies that are not unique to disability, just like everyone else, such as the environment, infrastructure, immigration, garbage pick-up, and playgrounds.

Isabelle signing in at the poll on November 8, 2016

When my daughter turned 18, she registered to vote, and has voted in every primary and general election at the local, state and federal level ever since.

Just like for everyone else, learning about the issues and where candidates stand on them can be complicated.  Our approach is to select the two or three issues most important to Isabelle and then talk about where the candidates stand on those issues.  I have made a chart for her on many occasions.  Her opinions and preferences and rationale are just as valid as anyone else’s.

REV UP is the national and local mission to encourage people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote.

REV UP Westchester Facebook group

Here are some relevant articles and links

The right to vote

• Disability Justice
• New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Where and when to vote:

• US
• NY State

American Association of People with Disabilities: AAPD

•  US Presidential elections

Teen Vogue: Which 2020 Democratic Candidates Are Taking Disability Rights Seriously?

• Editorial by Haley Moss, (Attorney who has autism)

Forbes:  What do people with disabilities want from candidates

Disability Rights Center  Presidential candidate survey

Here and Now Disability Rights Policy Takes Center Stage In 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary

RespectAbility voter guide

REV UP: Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power.

by Marjorie Madfis

Note:  Yes She Can Inc.  takes no position for or against, nor promotes any candidates for office for any elections.