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August 6, 2024 | #TheArcVotes | Issue 1 | |
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Welcome to the first issue of The Arc of Massachusetts' 2024 voter newsletter!
Between now and election day, The Arc of Massachusetts will be reaching out to you with important updates, resources, and information about the 2024 elections, getting out the vote in the disability community, and making sure your voices are heard in this crucial election year.
This election year has already proven itself to be unlike any year in recent memory, but one thing remains the same: people with disabilities are counting on us to show up and vote.
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The Arc of Massachusetts is a non-partisan organization. We do not support specific candidates. We advocate for changes that impact the disabled communities we serve. | |
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Feature Article: The Importance of Voting for the Disability Community
Since 2018, The Arc of Massachusetts has been coordinating our voter rights campaign #TheArcVotes in order to share resources and stories about the importance of the disability vote. In each successive iteration of our non-partisan advocacy, the stakes associated with each election’s results for the disability community have only risen in our increasingly divided country.
According to the American Association of People with Disabilities in 2023, there are over 61 million people with disabilities in the country, and over 38 million of them are eligible to vote. Despite the size of this population, which makes it the largest minority voting bloc in America, voters with disabilities continue to vote at a lower rate than people without disabilities, largely due to barriers in place, such as inaccessible polling places, limitations on early or mail-in voting or drop-off boxes, or a lack of plain language in ballots. Continue reading this article.
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Tell Us Your Story
Why do you vote? What does voting mean to you? Why do you think its important for people with disabilities to vote? Share your stories with us by emailing Katerina Daley, Director of Communications, at daley@arcmass.org with the subject line My Voter Story. Make sure to share a photo with your story and we'll be including you in our social media campaign!
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2024 Elections: Important Dates to Know | |
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2024 State Primary Election Cycle:
- Registration for Primary Election Deadline: August 24, 2024
- Mail In Ballot Application Deadline: August 26, 2024
- Primary Election Date: September 3, 2024
- Vote by Mail Deadline: 8:00PM on September 3, 2024
2024 General Election Cycle:
- Registration for General Election Deadline: October 26, 2024
- Mail In Ballot Application Deadline: October 29, 2024
- General Election Date: November 5, 2024
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Vote by Mail Deadline: 5:00PM on November 8, 2024 (postmarked by November 5, 2024)
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Did You Know?
Today is the 59th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965. The Justice Department refers to the bill, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting, as "the most effective piece of civil rights legislation ever enacted." The fight for disability rights, in voting and otherwise, stands on the foundation of civil rights legislation like this.
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Sign the 2024 Disability Voter Pledge!
In years like this, it’s important to remember the words of renowned activist Justin Dart, Jr., known as the father of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): “Vote as if your life depends on it – because it does.”
There are 38 million eligible voters with disabilities - and when you add caregivers and family members, that number increases to 67.7 million eligible voters. Altogether, the disability community represents the largest minority voting bloc in the country.
By adding your name to this Voter Pledge, you are confirming that:
- You will vote this November
- You care about issues that affect persons with disabilities and you will vote for candidates you believe will care for their needs
- You will spread the word about the importance of voting within your family, friend circle, and community at large
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Your Right to Vote (Webinar 1 of 2)
Wednesday, August 14 @ 12:00PM
Voting is one of our most sacred rights. Yet historically, the disabled community has not been well represented at the voting booth. Join Jose Lopez, The Arc's Policy Officer, for a voting rights webinar on Wednesday, August 14 at noon to learn about your options and timelines for voting.
For democracy to succeed, we need people to participate in the process. If we are to continue to make positive changes for the disabled communities we serve, we need informed citizens voting to elect those leaders who best represent their values and priority concerns. To do that, you must vote!
Register for this webinar here.
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Why Voting Matters (Webinar 2 of 2)
Wednesday, August 28 @ 12:00PM
Many are saying the upcoming election will be one of the most important election cycles in a generation. Now more than ever, we need informed citizens using their vote to elect leaders who best represent their interests.
Join Jackie Doherty, The Arc’s new Director of Education and Outreach, for a webinar to explore Voting Matters on Wednesday, August 28 at noon. Jackie will be joined by panelists Henry Milorin, Elections Commissioner from Medford and parent of an adult son with autism, and Jim White, Past Chair of the Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA and Election Poll Inspector for the City of Boston.
Register for this webinar here.
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