Dear Friends and Colleagues:
One of the hallmarks of our democracy is our right to vote, and on Tuesday, November 6, Americans will get the chance to exercise that right in this year’s general election.
While great strides have been made in the effort to make voting accessible for everyone, a recent study found that people with disabilities have significantly lower levels of political participation than people without disabilities. In New York State alone, there are more than 126,000 individuals with developmental disabilities—a voter base that has been historically underrepresented at the polls.
The National Voter Registration Act—also known as the Motor Voter Act—requires all offices of state-funded programs that are primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities to:
- · Provide all program applicants with voter registration forms;
- · Assist them in completing the forms, and
- · Transmit completed forms to the appropriate state official.
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is part of the Agency-Based Voter Registration Program, and makes voter registration forms available at all of its state operations and regional offices. Additionally, OPWDD offers citizenship classes so individuals can learn about voting.
If you are not registered to vote, it is not too late. The last day your voter registration form can be postmarked to be eligible for this year’s general election is October 12. You may obtain a voter registration form here. You may also obtain a voter registration application by calling your county board of elections or 1-800-FOR-VOTE.
Polls will be open from 6 am to 9 pm and transportation can be arranged for individuals who need a ride to their polling place. I encourage you to cast your vote and make your voice heard.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke
P.S. Communication is critical to our collective success, and OPWDD’s Facebook page is a great place for individuals, family members, employees, advocates, and other stakeholders to exchange thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to join the conversation