Center for Self Advocacy Leadership Partnership for People with Disabilities Virginia Commonwealth University

1. Center for Self Advocacy Leadership Partnership for People with DisabilitiesVirginia Commonwealth University www.VirginiaSelfAdvocacy.org The Partnership for People with Disabilities is a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability. If alternative formats of this document are needed, please contact the Partnership for People with Disabilities at 804/828-3876 or 800/828-1120 (TDD Relay). This project is funded by grant number 90DN0226 from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, US Department of Health and Human Services. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not infer endorsement by the Federal government. Please include this disclaimer when copying or using all or any part of the materials in dissemination activities.

2. 10 Good Reasons Why YOU Should Vote And How to Register

3. “People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote – a very different thing.” Walter H. Judd

4. Why Should I Vote?. • You live in a democracy and that means that you get a say in who runs your country and how your country is run. • Voting shows your pride in your nation and its government. • The only way democracy works is if citizens, young and old, are active participants.

5. Our country is a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world, stand up and be counted! A government, by the people - for the people, just can’t work without the people!

6. NUMBER 10 If you don’t vote you really have no right to complain about government decisions you don’t like (no matter how bad those decisions are)

7. NUMBER 9 It sets a positive example to your children, your neighbors and your friends.

8. NUMBER 8 Voting means you believe in the democratic process It represents your right to freedom of speech

9. NUMBER 7 Failing to register to vote is the same as saying “I don’t care!”

10. NUMBER 6 If you do not register to vote, you are missing out on a great national privilege and a significant personal freedom!

11. NUMBER 5 When you vote, you honor the sacrifices that our ancestors made and that today’s Soldiers make in fighting for our freedom!

12. NUMBER 4 You should vote because you can!

13. NUMBER 3 The reality is, your vote counts!

14. NUMBER 2 It is an HONOR as well as a RESPONSIBILITY

15. Number 1 Reason to Vote If you are old enough to die for your country, You are old enough to decide who makes the decisions!

16. VOTE!!! Never surrender your right to speak your mind via the vote on election day

17. How Do I Register • Get a registration form from either the local election official in your county or city, or through registration outreach programs • You can also register to vote when you renew you driver’s license or state ID at the Department for Motor Vehicles (DMV)

18. To be eligible to register to vote in Virginia a person must:   • Be a Permanent resident of Virginia   • Be a U. S. Citizen • Be 18 years • Does not claim the right to vote in any other State • Not currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law • If convicted of a felony, your right to vote must have been restored

19. Where Do I Vote • After you register to vote you will receive a voting registration card. • This card will inform you where you will vote in all elections

20. Special Considerations for Voters with Disabilities • An explanation of instructions in simpler language • A friend or family member to accompany the individual into a voting booth • Assistance in casting a ballot • Ballots that are available to individuals with visual impairments.

21. Absentee voting • Absentee voting means that a voter can participate in upcoming elections even though they may not be able to go to the polls on election day. • Absentee voting in person begins approximately 45 days before a November General Election and approximately 30 days before other elections and ends  on the Saturday before the election 

22. Curbside Voting • An election official will bring your ballot to your car outside the polling place. • Simply call ahead to notify the early voting clerk that you want to vote from your car. • Curbside voting is available during early voting, and on Election Day.

23. YOUR RIGHTS(AT THE POLLING PLACE) • To be treated with courtesy and respect by election officials; • To be notified if your registration has been accepted or denied; • To get help from election officials if you are unsure about the voting process; • To be shown how the voting equipment works;

24. YOUR RIGHTS(AT THE POLLING PLACE) • To have a ballot brought to your vehicle instead of entering the polling place if you are 65 years of age or older, or if you are disabled; • You may have an officer of election or another person help you vote if you are physically disabled or unable to read or write; • Blind voters may have any person assist them. Other voters may have anyone who is not their employer help them; • To be allowed to vote even if you do not have identification with you at the polling site. You must sign an “Affirmation of Identity” statement before voting if you have no ID.

25. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES(AT THE POLLING PLACE) • To treat election officials with the same courtesy and respect they must give you; • To show a valid identification document (ID); • To ask for help; • To make sure your ballot is correct BEFORE casting it. You cannot cast another ballot, even if you think you have made a mistake, once a ballot has been cast;

26. Transportation to the Polling Place • If you check around near election time you will often find organizations that will pick you up and take you to vote and home again. • Call your place of worship, the ARC, your local CIL, etc. -- often they can help you find transportation

27. “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

28. Thank You!