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SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. IN THEIR RIGHT TO. VOTE. Okay, But Where Do I Begin?. Let the individuals know they have the right to vote. Discuss the importance of a person’s right to vote. Let them know how to register to vote.
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IN THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE
Okay, But Where Do I Begin? • Let the individuals know they have the right to vote. • Discuss the importance of a person’s right to vote. • Let them know how to register to vote. • Allow the individual to indicate that he/she would like to vote. Do not insist that a person register to vote just because he/she has the right. It must be the individual’s decision. • You may help individuals register by filling out the registration application card, helping them mail the card etc. if they indicate help is needed. • Encourage the person to learn as much as possible about the candidates. • Explain to the individual that he/she can ask for assistance from a poll worker or a person of his/her choice. Remind him/her to take a form of ID. (See the Voter Guide.)
Where Can I Help Consumers Find Answers To Their Questions? • The Secretary of State’s Office Phone: 1-800-274-VOTE(8683) World Wide Web: http://www.sos.state.al.us • Your local Board of Registrar’s Office • The Candidates’ Internet Websites
RECOMMENDATION OF THINGS I SHOULD NOT DO? • Do not insist that a person vote. It must be the individual’s decision. • Do not tell individuals they must vote by absentee ballot just because they can not transport themselves to the polls. Instead provide information on how to arrange transportation to the polls. • Do not tell individuals for whom they should vote. • Do not tell them for whom you are going to vote. • Do not advocate for one party or candidate over another. • Do not influence the person’s vote in any way. • Do not ask them for whom they voted.
Suggestions of Activities To Promote Voter Understanding: • Attend non partisan political forums to compare candidates • Attend presentations by election officials. • Research what different offices do and how it affects us. • Research the candidates and their positions on issues. • Listen/watch local and state news programs and then discuss. • Provide/discuss voter education materials such as the Voter Guide and Sample Ballots (The ballots may be picked up at your Probate Judge’s Office.) • Discuss the voting process in your county. • Contact your Probate Judge and participate in the voting machine demonstrations.
Special Discussion • Individuals should be allowed to interact with candidates if they desire. • The right to confidentiality should be considered when posting candidate signs in the front yard but individuals should be allowed to support their candidates in personal ways such as wearing buttons or hanging posters in their rooms. • If you are an employee, it is unethical for you to influence in any way the vote of the consumers for whom you work. • How an individual votes is the business of that person. If he/she tells you or asks for your assistance while casting his/her ballot, you should not share that information with anyone.
Help! I Don’t Feel That I Know Everything About Voting, How Can I Teach Anyone? • Now is the time to learn about your right! • Our Country needs responsible leaders which means we need responsible voters. • A perfect way to learn is to prepare to teach. • Contact your local election officials and consult the State Voter Guide. • Help is only a telephone call away. Call 1-800-274-VOTE (8683) • You Can Do It!