!
People with
Developmental Disabilities Want to !
Not only do People with Developmental Disabilities want to vote, THEY CAN and DO vote.
Did you Know?...
« I don’t know how to vote, I can't read.
« I won’t be able to get into the polls or caste my ballot.
« I am not sure how government works.
« The issue is confusing, I must not be smart enough to vote.
« I have a guardian, I’m not allowed to vote.
« We are working to make voting accessible for everyone.
« We are learning how legislation affects us and our community.
« We understand how the government works.
« We are sharing stories of when our vote made a difference.
« Go to the polls and caste your ballot.
« Get to know the candidates by hosting legislative breakfasts.
« Invite candidates to speak at self-advocacy group meetings.
« Change guardianship rules that take away voting rights.
« Ask for the support and accommodations that you need to vote.
Some facts to make the most of your voting opportunity
Not this kind… It is when you sign up to become a voter. But just like shopping, you use your vote to pick the person or policies you want. But only if you are a registered voter.
If they say no, then it’s the way to go! If the poll worker says you cannot vote for any reason, remember these words... "Please give me a Provisional Ballot" It is a temporary ballot that anybody can use so you don't miss a chance to vote while they are checking to see if you can.
Support is your choice. You can ask the poll worker for help to vote and they are supposed to assist you. Some people find it is best to bring an assistant who knows the kind of help you need. Examples might be reading, pushing buttons or writing. Your vote is your voice in our government, so this person must respect and trust your decisions and not tell you who or what to vote for.
What if something does not go well? You can be a part of the solution. Work with your local Help America Vote Act committee (HAVA group) to make the changes needed.
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This Fact Sheet was developed by Project VOTE!. with funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. For more information, contact Hannah Bowen at phone: 503-725-9609 email: bowenh@pdx.edu or Tia Nelis at phone: 312-413-1284 email: tianelis@uic.edu.