Make a Choice - Be a Voice: A Call to VOTE

One person, one vote. In our country, voting can be the great equalizer if we make sure to do it. Voting is one of the most important things you can do as an advocate for people with disabilities. The people you vote for will make decisions about your health care, your employment options, your social security, your education, your environment and the strength of your community.

People with physical and intellectual disabilities can vote in all elections. The only exception is if there is a guardianship decree that specifically says a person can’t vote. There is sometimes a misunderstanding that people with disabilities may not understand the choices on the ballot. If needed, it is totally fine for people to get assistance in registering or reviewing the ballot, and they can even have someone go to the polls with them. People can fill out a sample ballot ahead of time and take it to the polls with them and take extra time to submit the ballot.

BUT TIME IS RUNNING out! If you aren’t registered to vote already, you must register by October 24. You can register on line or by mail or in person at your town clerk’s office.

Your town clerks are there to help with registering and understanding of the different ways you can vote. Contacts are provided below.

Don’t miss out! Your vote matters. And make sure your friends and family members are registered too.

Town Clerks:

Aquinnah

Gabriella Camilleri

508-645-2304 gcamilleri@aquinnah-ma.gov

Chilmark

Jennifer Christy

508-645-2304 jchristy@chilmark-ma.gov

Edgartown

Karen Medeiros

508-627-6110 kmedeiros@edgartown-ma.gov

Oak Bluffs

Colleen Morris

508-693-3554 ext 120 cmorris@oakbluffs-ma.gov

Tisbury

J. Hillary Conklin

508-696-4215 hconklin@tisbury-ma.gov

West Tisbury

Tara Whiting-Wells

townclerk@westtisbury-ma.gov

Secretary of the Commonwealth’s site for accessible voting information:

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleaccessible/accessibleidx.htm

Thank you Sundy Smith for writing and gathering this information!