Aging Should Never Prevent an American Citizen from Voting

Americans have the opportunity to elect the President of the United States and make other important ballot choices on November 5. Don’t let disabilities prevent you from participating in our democracy.

Federal and state laws provide special accommodations for senior and disabled voters that preserve your right to vote. Any voter is entitled to simple accommodations that will preserve their right to vote, but few know to ask for them.

Under the federal Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, passed in 1984, places are required to the extent possible to be accessible to voters with disabilities. Every registered voter is notified on the sample ballot mailed to him or her whether his or her polling place is accessible. If it is not, election officials must make accommodations for disabled voters as needed.

The California Secretary of State offers large print and audio versions of your voter guide or sample ballot. If you need help casting a ballot, you have the right to ask for help. In California a pollworker can provide assistance or the voter may select a person of his or her choice. If you are unable to mark your ballot yourself, you may select up to two people to help you cast your vote (but not your employer or a labor union leader).

You have the right to request an absentee or mail ballot right up to Election Day and you have the right to vote curbside, even from a vehicle if you cannot go to the polls.

Disability Rights California can answer your questions about how to get help at www.disabilityrightsca.org In San Diego, call Disability Rights California at 800-776-5746. To check whether your polling place is accessible or request assistance at the polls, call the San Diego County Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800 or visit www.sdvote.org  

In Touch at Home and its parent company, Senior Resource Group, feels strongly about the right to vote. We provide space in all 18 of our communities across the country for polling places on Election Day including La Vida Del Mar, and assistance to any voter who needs it to ensure that his or her voice is heard.

It would hurt all of us if we lost out on the years of wisdom and experience that could help guide our communities if older voters were unable to cast ballots. Before Election Day, check in with family, friends, and neighbors who might need help voting and be sure that our wise older American voices are counted.

America’s senior population is expected to nearly double nationally and statewide over the next 30 years thanks to the Baby Boomers. The need for voting accessibility will only increase.

InTouch at Home is a Senior Resource Group, LLC (SRG) company .  Serving the needs of seniors and their families for more than 20 years, SRG delivers on the promise of exceptional service and quality care each and every day through its 18 communities including La Vida Real (Rancho San Diego) and La Vida Del Mar. Now through InTouch at Home, this same outstanding care and service is available to you in your home, wherever it may be. For more information, call 855-468-8900 or visit www.InTouch-at-Home.com.