Raising Your Voice in the 2024 Election
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Are you prepared to cast your ballot?
The disability community has a powerful voice, and voting is one of the most important ways to make it heard. Every election shapes the policies and laws that affect our daily lives, from healthcare and education to transportation and accessibility. That’s why it’s crucial for people with disabilities to show up at the polls and participate in the democratic process.
To help ensure you’re prepared, we encourage you to access these resources provided by our state disability community.
The Maryland Senate Candidate Forum For People with Disabilities and Their Allies: Featuring U.S. Senate Candidates Angela Alsobrooks & Larry Hogan
On October 22, 2024, the Maryland Disabilities Forum invited U.S. Senate Candidates Angela Alsobrooks and Larry Hogan to address our disability community and answer questions important to our powerful voting bloc.
Check out a recording of the forum below:
Accessing Democracy
The National Disability Rights Network made a documentary Accessing Democracy which profiles voters with disabilities as they discuss what their lives are like and what the next president could do to fight for our community. The new documentary short focuses on one of the largest and most neglected voting blocs in the United States – the disability community! Hear from voters about how it’s time for those seeking office to show up for us.
Click below to watch Accessing Democracy:
Making Our Voices Heard: Accessible Voting for the Disability Community
Moderated by Chris Nusbaum, Bridges Project Coordinator and Social Support Specialist at The IMAGE Center, this discussion featured insights from two voting rights experts:
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Jeff Kaloc, Governmental Affairs Specialist at the National Federation of the Blind
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Braden Stinar, attorney and voting rights specialist at Disability Rights Maryland
The panel dove into the critical importance of understanding your rights as a voter, especially in the upcoming election season. Whether voting in person or by mail, it’s essential to be informed about the accessible options available to you.
Check out a recording of the panel below:
Other Events from the Community
Voting Access Webinar
Disability Rights Maryland, in partnership with the Bay Area Center for Independent Living, hosted a presentation on what to expect at the polls as a voter with a disability, ensuring awareness of important upcoming election deadlines, and registered interested attendees. To learn more, contact Disability Rights Maryland or the Bay Area CIL.
Washington County Voter Workshop
Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc of Washington County, and Maryland Disabilities Forum recently hosted a Voter Workshop tailored for individuals with disabilities to gain valuable insights into accessible voting options, your rights as a voter, and how to make sure your voice is heard at the polls. For more information, contact Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc of Washington County, or the Maryland Disabilities Forum.
More Resources
Additionally, here are some helpful resources to assist you in voting:
Make sure your voice counts this election season. Together, we can ensure that the needs and rights of the disability community are represented in every vote cast!