You know that there is a pretty huge election in three weeks. So, here are my top three reasons why I support Democrats up and down the ballot.

3 – Disability matters

So, to live independently, I depend on services for people with disabilities. That means SSI, Medicaid, housing voucher, and SNAP benefits. Without these services in place, I have no idea what would happen to me and the life I’ve carved out for myself. Learn more about these very important issues that I talked about with Representative Betty McCollum and Senator Tina Smith a couple years ago: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington post (JustinSmithWrites.com)

2 – Housing that’s affordable AND accessible

Many of you followed my quest to try to find an affordable and accessible apartment that truly was wheelchair accessible. There are incredibly few, and I mean incredibly, apartments that work for people with disabilities. Planning for accessibility from the start and including those of us who need it needs to be part of affordable housing plans and proposals going forward. Where are we supposed to live when inclusive, accessible housing is not being built?

Check out my presentation at this MN Council of Disability Legislative Forum from a couple years ago to learn more about my experience trying to find an accessible apartment:  MCD 2023 Legislative Forum (YouTube video queued to Affordable & Accessible housing section)

1 – Focus on the future

I have met with many of the candidates that I’m supporting this year. They listen to me, respect me, and I can let them know about issues I run into or how we can improve services for people with disabilities. I’m choosing to focus on the future and want candidates who do the same.

Is there work to do? Hell, yeah. Does change happen fast? Hell, no. Does it take all of us to get out and be part of the process? Hell, yeah! We all need to be informed on the issues and make time to vote!

VOTE!

Here are the candidates that I support. This election matters to me. I’m voting for candidates who do not mock people with disabilities and who will support improving critical services such as SSI and Medicaid.  There are so many other reasons why I’m voting for Democrats up and down the ticket, but these 3 are the biggies that personally impact my life!

I’m supporting the following candidates from Minnesota:

• President and Vice President: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
• US Senator: Amy Klobuchar
• US Representative for Congressional District 4: Betty McCollum
• State Representative: Curtis Johnson
• Ramsey County Commissioner: Mary Jo McGuire. who testified in support of accessible housing when I did at a legislative hearing a couple years ago! Local politics matters!