Voter Registration
Voting is the very essence of our democracy and is a
fundamental right of all citizens, including those with disabilities.
The 54 million Americans who have disabilities of every type
and degree represent about one-fifth of the U.S. population. Traditionally,
they have voted at a lower rate than other Americans, hovering around the
one-third mark, but in the 2000 Election, an aggressive get-out-the-vote
campaign by disability advocates and organizations helped to boost this to 41
percent. The closeness of the 2000 Presidential race proved that no vote can be
taken for granted.
Your vote gives you the power to select those who best
represent your interests. At every level and at every branch of government,
both locally and nationally, there are important issues being debated that will
affect the ability of people with disabilities to live meaningful lives and to
participate in the mainstream of American society. Medicaid reform, the
education of children with disabilities (IDEA) reform, and the fate of programs
that provide employment services to people with disabilities are just some of
the issues under Congressional review this year.
If you are not already registered to vote, then do so. The
following is information regarding Voter Registration for the upcoming General
Election:
- In-Person Registration - You may register
at your local Board of Elections or any state agency participating in the
National Voter Registration Act (WILC is a Voter Registration Site) on any
business day throughout the year, but to be eligible to vote in the November
General Election, your application must be received no later than October
10, 2004.
Exceptions - If you have been honorably discharged
from the military or have become a naturalized citizen since October 10th, you
may register in person at the Board of Elections until October 24, 2004.
- Mail Registration - To be eligible to vote
in the November General Election, applications must be postmarked no
later than October 10, 2004 and received by a Board of Elections no later than
October 15, 2004.
The following links will provide more information on Voter
Registration:
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