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October 22, 2024 | #TheArcVotes | Issue 4

Welcome to the fourth 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.

The Arc of Massachusetts is a non-partisan organization. We do not support specific candidates.

We advocate for changes that impact the communities we serve.

What Does It Mean to Vote with Your Conscience?

Executive Director Leo Sarkissian provides a powerful overview of the important questions members of our community need to be asking as they prepare to vote for candidates in elections up and down the ballot.

What have their positions been on issues including Medicare, Social Security, healthcare, education? What does their track record show? If they have been involved in budget making decisions, what did their proposals include?

Do your homework. Get informed. Make the decisions that will be in the best interest of you and your loved ones. Vote with your conscience.

Voting by mail is now underway in Massachusetts! Mail-in ballots are currently being mailed out to registered voters who indicated their preference for voting by mail - and there is still time to request your own mail-in ballot.

• Mail-in ballot application deadline: October 29,
• Mail-in ballots returned in person or by drop box deadline: 8PM on November 5
• Mail-in ballots returned by mail deadline: 5PM on November 8 (postmarked by November 5)

Learn how to request your mail-in ballots and make your plan to vote.

#TheArcVotes Interviews

In this first of four interviews ahead of the 2024 Election on November 5, self-advocates Austin, Sofia, Warren, and Jonathan explain why they believe it is so important for self-advocates to vote, including a discussion of all that is at stake in every election.

In this second of four interviews, two weeks out from the 2024 General Election on November 5, we ask four self-advocates: why does voting matter? Austin, Warren, Sofia, and Jonathan give us their insightful answers.

2024 Elections: Important Dates to Know

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
• Vote by Mail Deadline: 5:00PM on November 8, 2024 (postmarked by November 5, 2024)

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

Your Right to Vote (Webinar 1 of 2)

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, 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!

Why Voting Matters (Webinar 2 of 2)

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.