No right is more precious in a free economy than that of having a voice in the election of those who make laws under which, as good citizens, we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined. (Westbury v. Sanders, 376 U.S. 1, 17 (1964)).
Americans in every part of our country have the opportunity and the authority to participate in the democratic process by voting. Each vote counts. There are many reasons to vote, all of which speak to the privilege and responsibility of individuals to decide on how they are governed and how they live. It is the most elemental form of advocacy and choice.
What follows is a list of voting resources. Please let us know of any additional resources you think should be added to this list by sending an email to familysupport@aed.org
Help America Vote Act
This Act assures individuals with disabilities the right to participate in elections as other voters do and to cast a private and independent ballot.
Learn about this legislation and resources for voters with disabilities.
http://www.ndrn.org/issues/voting/hava/
Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act
Read about this 1984 law that assures accessibility and right to vote for citizens with disabilities and senior citizens who also have accessibility needs.
http://www.ndrn.org/issues/voting/laws/vaeha.htm
The National Voter Registration Act
This act improves registration systems for people with disabilities.
http://www.ndrn.org/issues/voting/laws/nvra.htm
111th Congress Key Vote Summary
You can click on your state to see how your elected officials voted on issues that are important to senior citizens and their families. You will also find a summary of the bills being debated.
http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/key_vote_summary/
National Disability Rights Network
Comprehensive information for voters with disabilities, including laws, resources, polling place access and studies. Includes information specifically for veterans and Native Americans.
http://www.ndrn.org/issues/voting/resources/
Providing Help to Voters with Disabilities
A short and easy to read list about assistance for voters with disabilities, to inform both for the voter and workers at the polling place.
http://www.ndrn.org/issues/voting/2008elec/VoterAssistFlyer.pdf
Polling Place Accessibility Guide
This detailed guide has been developed for election officials and is useful for individuals with disabilities and families in understanding their rights on election day.
http://www.nod.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.showFeature&FeatureID=173&C:\CFusion8\verity\Data\dummy.txt