On Thursday, I did something! I voted early in Minnesota. I was going to go vote on Tuesday, but the line was pretty long and I didn’t have the time right then to wait in a long line. My caregiver told me that another early voting location was less busy than the one I tried to go to first. So, I went there on Thursday and was in and out in 15 minutes. That’s about how long it’s took me to vote on election day in 2022. By the way, I’ve voted in every election since I was 18 and the picture below on the left is from that very first election in 2016 that I voted in.
According to the Election Assistance Commission and Rutgers, if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 2 million MORE voters. (Disability and Voter Turnout in the 2022 Elections (EAC 2023 Rutgers Report) ) The Minnesota Council on Disability reports that in Minnesota, people with disabilities make up the largest voting block. (Voting | Minnesota Council On Disability) That’s a lot of votes! And our votes matter!
What’s your plan?
Do you have your plan to vote? My brother and grandparents voted early by mail. My parents really love voting on election day and have carved out time to go vote in-person.
If you have a disability, it can get even trickier to make your plan because you may have to figure out transportation, accessibility, finding a caregiver to take you to the polls, etc. Here’s some more information about voting with a disability: Voting with a Disability (Vote.gov)
Can you vote early in your state? If you’re like me, I don’t do well in long lines, so maybe you want to go vote early when lines may not be as long. The early voting site I went to in Minnesota had parking spots set aside up close so you can vote right from your car. That’s a great option for folks with mobility or sensory issues.
The main thing is, don’t sit this one out – go vote! As Michelle Obama said as she closed her speech in Kalamazoo yesterday, “Do something!”
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Justin Smith Writes 
I voted early! I used the online, accessible ballot. It was easier than going to the polling place.
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